February 2012

Analysis: Feds Continue To Be Budget Pawn/Here’s What’s in Store for the Election Year
  In the January issue of NARFE magazine, we predicted that “until a bipartisan deficit-reduction plan is agreed to, federal employees and retirees will be a target for hits.” And so it is. As this issue went to press, Congress was still grappling with extending unemployment insurance and a payroll-tax holiday, along with a so-called “doc fix,” which would prevent physicians’ Medicare payments from being slashed. Our nation’s federal workers continue to be played as the pawn in Congress’ budget battles. This is especially upsetting when it comes to the debate on the payroll tax, which is intended to help middle-class workers, which includes most federal employees.   READ MORE

House Passes FECA Reform Bill
The House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation to update and enhance the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). H.R. 2465, the Federal Workers’ Compensation Modernization and Improvement Act of 2011, “provides a thoughtful approach to reforming the federal workers’ compensation laws, one that does not reduce the basic benefits paid to employees who suffer a debilitating injury or illness as a result of their public service,” said NARFE President Joseph A. Beaudoin. READ MORE