Podcasts about narfe

Congress has made some progress on setting spending limits for the next decade. But there are still some big hurdles to get over before we know the effects on agencies and employees. Federal News Network's Terry Gerton heard the latest details from NARFE's Vice President for Policy and Programs, John Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congress has made some progress on setting spending limits for the next decade. But there are still some big hurdles to get over before we know the effects on agencies and employees. Federal News Network's Terry Gerton heard the latest details from NARFE's Vice President for Policy and Programs, John Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Events of the last few weeks have caused federal managers heads to spin. The resignation offer, the closure of agencies, the new policy schedule. All these developments have sparked lawsuits. One of the litigants is the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Joining me with the whats and wherefores, NARFE staff vice president John Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Events of the last few weeks have caused federal managers heads to spin. The resignation offer, the closure of agencies, the new policy schedule. All these developments have sparked lawsuits. One of the litigants is the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Joining me with the whats and wherefores, NARFE staff vice president John Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Federal employee associations and unions are uniformly up in arms over the resignation request that went from the Trump administration to every federal employee. Among them the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees, NARFE. For what it's advising people to do NARFE vice president John Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal employee associations and unions are uniformly up in arms over the resignation request that went from the Trump administration to every federal employee. Among them the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees, NARFE. For what it's advising people to do NARFE vice president John Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawmakers are officially filing their discharge petition today to try to move the Social Security Fairness Act to a floor vote. The bill aims to repeal the WEP and G-P-O, two provisions that reduce or eliminate Social Security for certain public servants. The discharge petition will only move forward if the document gains 218 signatures, a House majority. The Social Security Fairness Act currently has 326 cosponsors. NARFE is urging all House representatives to sign the petition to move the bill to a floor vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lawmakers are officially filing their discharge petition today to try to move the Social Security Fairness Act to a floor vote. The bill aims to repeal the WEP and G-P-O, two provisions that reduce or eliminate Social Security for certain public servants. The discharge petition will only move forward if the document gains 218 signatures, a House majority. The Social Security Fairness Act currently has 326 cosponsors. NARFE is urging all House representatives to sign the petition to move the bill to a floor vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal employees have not been able to purchase long-term care insurance for the past couple of months. That's because the Office of Personnel Management suspended the program, pending the new plans and prices that are expected from the carrier. It is likely to be very expensive. For what to expect, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin spoke with the with John Hatton, the Policy Vice President at NARFE, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal employees have not been able to purchase long-term care insurance for the past couple of months. That's because the Office of Personnel Management suspended the program, pending the new plans and prices that are expected from the carrier. It is likely to be very expensive. For what to expect, Federal Drive Host Tom Temin spoke with the with John Hatton, the Policy Vice President at NARFE, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Resolving the debt ceiling did get Congress a little closer to a 2024 budget deal. So what does it mean for your pay and benefits? Federal Drive host Tom Temin checks in with John Hatton, the Staff Vice President, Policy and Programs at NARFE: the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Resolving the debt ceiling did get Congress a little closer to a 2024 budget deal. So what does it mean for your pay and benefits? Federal Drive host Tom Temin checks in with John Hatton, the Staff Vice President, Policy and Programs at NARFE: the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bill from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) would make federal executive branch employees "at-will." You could be fired for any reason, short of a prohibited personnel practice. For one interpretation of what the bill could mean, Federal Drive host Tom Temin spoke to John Hatton of NARFE: the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bill from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) would make federal executive branch employees "at-will." You could be fired for any reason, short of a prohibited personnel practice. For one interpretation of what the bill could mean, Federal Drive host Tom Temin spoke to John Hatton of NARFE: the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As part of the Federal Drive's continuing expansion of coverage of pay, benefits and working conditions for federal employees, Federal Drive host introduces a new voice, who listeners will hear from in monthly interviews. John Hatton is Staff Vice President for Policy and Programs at NARFE, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. He joined Tom Temin in studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As part of the Federal Drive's continuing expansion of coverage of pay, benefits and working conditions for federal employees, Federal Drive host introduces a new voice, who listeners will hear from in monthly interviews. John Hatton is Staff Vice President for Policy and Programs at NARFE, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. He joined Tom Temin in studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During this week's episode of NAPS Chat, John Hatton, National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Vice President for Policy and Programs, joins Bob Levi to discuss a variety of retirement and health benefit issues impacting postal and federal employees and annuitants. John and Bob talk about the status of legislation to repeal the Social Security Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP); the 2023 federal cost of living adjustment (COLA), how the COLA is calculated, and related legislation; 2023 Federal Employee Health Benefit Program premiums; and the Federal Long-term Care Insurance Program.

(9/8/22) - In today's Federal Newscast: Inflation-weary defense contractors get a break from firm, fixed-price contracts. The GAO issues a report that concludes that the defense department can do a better job of utilizing commercial satellites. And the Army wants to modify and accelerate the selection process for new commanders.

When Congress created the Federal Employee Retirement System in the ‘80s, one of the most notable changes was that future retirees would get smaller cost of living adjustments than participants in the old Civil Service Retirement System. CSRS and Social Security beneficiaries get COLAs that match inflation; FERS retirees get a smaller adjustment. That hasn't been a big deal over the past decade of low inflation, but obviously circumstances have changed. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) is urging Congress to pass the Equal COLA Act, which would get rid of the disparity between CSRS and FERS COLAs. To talk more about it, the Federal Drive was joined by John Hatton, Vice President for Policy and Programs at NARFE.

In today's Federal Newscast, House lawmakers want to change how cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs, are calculated for many federal retirees.

Erin Carter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) explained what the organization does and what's in store for feds and retirees who attend the upcoming FedCon 2022 conference.  NARFE Membership is open to civilians who are or will be eligible to receive an annuity or survivor annuity from the federal retirement programs of any agency of the United States government. That includes: Current federal employees Retirees Spouses and surviving spouses of those eligible to join NARFE Former federal employees A former spouse who is entitled to a federal survivor annuity NARFE members enjoy lots of benefits that serve their information and financial needs. Along with the satisfaction that they have put their weight behind a legislative powerhouse that is determined to defend the federal community.

Politicians, lobbyists and special interest groups on Capitol Hill often disguise very important or controversial bills they're pushing by giving them dull or misleading names. Or when a proposal is both complex and potentially explosive they may bill it as a “reform.” Who can oppose reform, right? As with much, if not most, laws and proposals, not many people know much if anything about the contents. The good news, whether you are (or should be) for Postal Reform or against the Windfall and Offset laws, help is coming. My guest today on our Your Turn is John Hatton. He's staff VP for the National Active and Retired Federal Employees.

Preventing suicide among military service members, veterans Alyssa Hundrup, director for health care at the Government Accountability Office, discusses what her office found when looking at efforts for suicide prevention at the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs Deadline looming for continuing resolution funding Jessica Klement, staff vice president for policy and programs at NARFE, discusses the continuing resolution that expires Dec. 3, the NDAA and the debt limit Effects of CMMC update on defense contractors Eric Crusius, partner at Holland & Knight, discusses how changes to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program will impact defense contractors

NARFE is the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association and our guest spent several years working for the federal government. Geraldine has some interesting tidbits to relay about the associations' Plainfield chapter. If you are a federal employee and NOT a member, you re missing out on really important information about your employment. Geraldine is the vice president and has examples of how the information has helped her. Plus, the meetings are so wild! Tune in to this week's episode.

Reviewing the Prevent Government Shutdowns bill in Congress Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, explains how government shutdowns hurt everyone and how proposed legislation would address the problem The impact of government shutdowns on federal workers Jessica Klement, staff vice president of policy and programs at NARFE, discusses the impact a government shutdown would have had on federal workers and pandemic response Reviewing the latest on North Korea missile testing Robert King, Korea Chair and senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, discusses the threat of North Korean weapons testing and development and the role of the United States' relationship with China

Updates on service member pay raises in the NDAA Jessica Klement, staff vice president of policy and programs at NARFE, discusses actions in the House and Senate and steps involved in confirming the federal employee pay raise Updates on federal contractor minimum wage Eric Crusius, partner at Holland & Knight, discusses positives and potential complications associated with implementation of the federal contractor minimum wage increase Countering homegrown violent extremism Triana McNeil, director of homeland security and justice issues at the Government Accountability Office, goes over her office's findings about the Department of Homeland Security's strategy to fight violent extremism

A bipartisan postal reform bill intended to bring financial relief to the Postal Service may have equally large implications for the rest of the federal workforce. That's according to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. NARFE says the bill could ultimately raise premiums for employees and retirees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The legislation has momentum. And for the first time in years, Congress is excited about a postal bill that it says has a real shot of becoming law. Federal News Network's Nicole Ogrysko joined the Federal Drive with the latest.

The latest on the Senate postal reform bill Jessica Klement, Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs for NARFE, explains the new postal reform bill for health benefits and explains why Congress should wait to move forward with it The future of information in warfighting Chris Dougherty, Senior Fellow at CNAS, discusses the importance of information management in preparation against the increasing threat of “informationized warfare” Updates on Department of Labor’s role in unemployment system Stephen Wandner, Senior Fellow at the National Academy of Social Insurance, discusses the need for resources for the Department of Labor to improve unemployment insurance programs

Public service is both a career and calling for many. While the 15 months have really tested federal employees’ resolve, the two million civilian feds have responded with aplomb to the challenges of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Active and retired federal employees have likely looked at the response with some level of pride in civil servants’ professionalism.   Jessica Klement is the Staff Vice President, police and program at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Prior to joining NARFE, Klement served as the Government and Public Affairs Director at the Federal Managers Association, She joined the show to talk about her organization and Public Service Recognition Week.

For millions of current and retired feds the “evil twins” that reduce or eliminate their retirement benefits are the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Office. NARFE and other groups have been working for years to modify them without success. But things may be changing under the new administration. I’ll ask Jessica Klement about that today of Your Turn.

New report urges against OPM-GSA merger Jessica Klement, Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs at NARFE, evaluates how much of an impact the NAPA report on OPM will make and what needs to be done to fix the human capital management issues Tracking data server use at agencies David Hinchman, Acting Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity Issues at GAO, goes over conclusions from the report looking at data center consolidation and optimization at agencies Changes to the CMMC accreditation body Eric Crusius, Partner at Holland & Knight, provides updates on the CMMC board, FedRAMP reciprocity and contractor concerns regarding compliance

Eliminating inequality and bias in the military RADM Alvin Holsey (USN), Commander of Navy Personnel Command, describes how the Task Force One Navy developed recommendations to improve Navy readiness by eliminating inequality and bias Updates on Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Karlton Johnson, Chairman of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body, discusses how the CMMC board is listening to the Defense Industrial Base to improve the program for them and the Defense Department Updates on paid leave, vaccines and mask mandates for federal employees Jessica Klement, Staff Vice President for Policy and Programs at NARFE, and Joanna Friedman, Partner at The Federal Practice Group, talk about some of the most important news for federal employees to pay attention to from the past week

Repealing Schedule F in the Biden administration Jessica Klement, Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs at NARFE, discusses federal employee executive orders and prioritization of human capital Using the Defense Production Act for vaccine distribution Bill Greenwalt, Visiting Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, analyzes the implications of invoking the DPA on agencies and companies Changing the culture of risk aversion at the State Department Gregory Starr, Former Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security, explains how reducing risk aversion would improve implementation of foreign affairs policies

News that they will be getting a 1.3% cost of living adjustment in January 2021 is getting a mixed reception from federal, military and Social Security retirees. The inflation catch-up will to go roughly one in six Americans. And its more than some analysts had predicted based on the low inflation rate over the past 12 months And its 100% more than most retirees — who depend on pensions promised by their private sector employers — will be getting. We talked with many, many feds and picked up more questions and suggestions on the way. So today’s guests on Your Turn will have the answers. They are Jessica Klement, NARFE’s staff vice president for policy and programs, and legislative specialist John Hatton. Listen. Could save you lots of time, money and grief.

House passes CR to keep government open until December 11 Jessica Klement, Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs for NARFE, talks about the continuing resolution passed by the House and the likelihood that federal employees will not have to pay back the payroll tax deferral Collecting and using data in the Intelligence Community Alexandra Schmitt, Policy Analyst at the Center for American Progress, explains why it is important for the Intelligence Community to use business data analytics New interim final rule for CMMC Eric Crusius, Partner at Holland & Knight, provides updates on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification regarding self-certification

GSA’s Alliant 2 contract for small businesses canceled Roger Waldron, President of the Coalition for Government Procurement, presents his takeaways from the General Services Administration’s cancelation of its Alliant 2 small business contract House markup of FY21 budget keeps one percent raise for federal employees Jessica Klement, Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs at NARFE, discusses the House Appropriations Committee’s markup of the FY21 budget with respect to pay raises for federal employees and potential paths forward Updates on Future Vertical Lift in the military Andrew Hunter, Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, discusses the Army’s modernization priority of Future Vertical Lift as part of a new approach to defense acquisition, and opportunities and challenges it presents

According to some political pundits the 2020 presidential election may be decided by voters who are 60-plus years old. They supported candidate Donald Trump, age 73, last time but, according to some polls, are leaning toward former Vice President Joe Biden, age 77, as of right now. While many candidates court the younger vote, the numbers show that on election day older Americans out vote their children and grandchildren by a substantial degree. That could be an important factor in places like California, Texas, Florida, Maryland and Virginia where one-third of the nation’s 2.6 million federal retirees and survivors live and vote. Former feds are also an important chunk of the electorate in key states like Arizona (60,826), Florida, (186,027), Michigan (47,422) and Minnesota (31,151). Today on Your Turn, I’ll be talking with Jessica Klement of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees about the possibility of a pay raise, the outlook (grim) for a retiree COLA and the long, as in very long, shot chances of some kind of reform or change in WEP-GPO. NARFE is part of a coalition working on the issues. She’ll explain the difference between plans to repeal vs. revise WEP and GPO, and she’ll explain what its like to lobby Congress in a normal year, vs. times like these.

Proposals to eliminate WEP and GPO have been around almost since enactment in the 1980s. But repeal has always been the legislative equivalent of mission impossible — probably still is. But what about “reform” rather than repeal? Has the turmoil created by the COVID-19 pandemic changed the political outlook? In the House, 245 members have signed onto a bill that would repeal the Evil Twins. Not likely to happen, but under House rules if that repeal proposal gets 290 cosponsors — 45 more — it has to come up for a vote. And that opens up the possibility of a modification, though not repeal of the two. Long shot, yes, but possible. In the meantime, back to retirement plans for — someday. My guests today on our Your Turn radio show includes benefits expert Tammy Flanagan. She talked about what you should be thinking regardless of your age or time in government so that when you want to/have to leave, you will have enough money to live on. Lots of boxes to check. She’ll explain what they are and why you should have a backup plan. Later during the show we’re joined by Jessica Klement of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees association. NARFE has been one of the leading advocates of repeal/reform of GPO and WEP. She’ll explain what they do and give an update on what Congress might do.

Jessica Klement, Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs at NARFE, provides updates on federal retirees going back to work to help with the coronavirus response and what they should consider Danny Werfel, Managing Director and Partner of Boston Consulting Group, discusses lessons learned from past stimulus bills and advancements in oversight capabilities John Shoraka, Managing Director of GovContractPros, goes over potential roadblocks for small business government contractors in the CARES Act

First responders, doctors, nurses, cops, researchers and scientists have always been heroes. We just didn’t always know it. Now we do! And you can never have enough heroes, especially in a time like this when the residents of Planet Earth, all of us, are under attack. Many of us believe, hope and pray we will survive as a species — that this too shall pass. What we don’t know is if we will be among the survivors, which, maybe, is where you come in. Uncle Sam is looking for thousands of retired medical professionals to come back to work — now, ASAP! So where do you start? Begin by listening to our special Your Turn show all about the rehired annuitant program and the special waiver permitting both full pay and pension. Both guests are from the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Jessica Klement, vice president for policy and programs, will talk about the $2 trillion stimulus program which allows for the special rehiring and where re-employed federal experts fit in, and benefits expert James Marshall. Nicole Ogrysko who also first outlined the new program on Federal News Network will join me to talk with the NARFE experts.

Angela Bailey, DHS Chief Human Capital Officer, discusses steps the DHS has taken to protect its workforce Jessica Klement, Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs at NARFE, describes the association’s shift in focus towards working on the stimulus bill Nick Sinai, Senior Adviser at Insight Partners, explains how the private and public sectors are collaborating to help with the COVID-19 situation

Suffering from a medical issue and wondering what it would take to make it through the process of medical retirement? It's a long journey and a difficult one. No one wants to stop working for medical reasons, but if that's your story, listen to this episode. My friend Julie's been down the road and has several recommendations. These don't fit everyone's case, but they're a good starting point for a list of issues to consider. 1. Hire an attorney. 2. Save some money because you may be without a pay check for a while. 3. Keep paying your medical insurance premiums. 4. Seek out resources through: NARFE www.narfe.org JAN Job Accommodation Network askjan.org OPM opm.gov http://retirement.federaltimes.com/2019/06/11/disability-retirement-67/ https://www.fedsmith.com/2019/02/16/fers-opm-disability-retirement-legal-sufficiency/ https://feea.org/2019/09/23/what-happens-federal-employee-disabled-cant-work/ https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2010/10/disability-retirement/32611/

With all the problems bubbling here in March, is Congress really going to spend real time moving most functions of the Office of Personnel Management to the General Services Administration? Except for some Washington-based technocrats, and some hungry contractors, who cares about that when China is in lockdown and the stock market is free-falling? Good questions: Which we’ll ask today when Jessica Klement and John Hatton from the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association join us at 10 a.m. EDT on Your Turn. Listen on www.federalnewsnetwork.com or at 1500 AM in the Washington, D.C. area.

During this week's episode, Bob and his guest, National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees Director of Legislative and Political Affairs John Hatton, discuss President Donald Trump's fiscal year 2021 federal budget, submitted to Congress this past Monday. Their chat focuses on those provisions that directly impact postal and federal employees and retirees.

The FY 2021 budget plan is similar to previous proposals in that offers civilian federal workers a smaller January 2021 pay raise of 1%, than the 3% proposed for the uniformed military. It would also change the way retirement benefits are calculated basing them on the employees’ highest five-year average salary instead of the current high-three formula. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees estimated this would cost future retirees $8 billion over the next decade. The plan puts the FERS supplement benefit on the chopping block again. It is a payment that FERS employees get if they retire before they are eligible to collect Social Security. That gap payment, often worth tens of thousands of dollars, would be a gut punch to air traffic controllers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and others who are forced to retire up to five years before they are eligible for Social Security. NARFE puts the financial loss to them at almost $20 billion over 10 years. To learn more about its prospects in Congress tune into our Your Turn radio show at 10 a.m. EST today. My guests are Kenneth J. Thomas, president of NARFE and Jessica Klement, vice president for advocacy.

Jessica Klement, staff vice president for Policy and Programs at NARFE, discusses the backlog of the retirements at the Office of Personnel Management, and why it’s ultimately a success story. Brian Boxman, vice president of federal at Talend and Ryan Swann, head of federal practice at Collibra, discuss the impacts California’s new data privacy law could have on the federal government, and how it might change the nature of data use across state lines. Jacob Parcell, innovation portfolio director at GSA, details how the U.S. Web Design System is helping more than 40 federal agencies modernize their web presence.

In a two-part interview, Glenn Fine, Principal Deputy Inspector General at the Department of Defense, discusses the importance of whistleblowers to the IG office’s work, and how they foster a good oversight culture. Terry Gerton, president and CEO of NAPA, and Jessica Klement, staff vice president for Policy and Programs at NARFE discuss workforce provisions in the recently passed budget, and NAPA’s review of the OPM-GSA merger.

Jessica Klement, staff vice president for policy and programs at NARFE, discusses the impact of the continuing resolution and what it means for a potential federal employee pay raise. John Zanni, Chief Executive Officer at Acronis SCS and Gary Shiffman, founder and CEO of Giant Oak, give an industry perspective on the use of data in risk management. Eric Crusius, partner at Holland & Knight, outlines new details of the Pentagon’s new cybersecurity certification, and how it could impact smaller contractors.

The Trump Administration has declared victory in an international compromise that will allow the U.S. Postal Service to collect higher fees for delivery of small international packages entering the United States.

Jessica Klement, staff vice president for advocacy at NARFE, discusses the possibilities for federal employee pay raises for 2020, and the odds of each passing. Eric Crusius, partner at Holland & Knight, discusses the rationale behind bid protests and why “suing your customer” might be the right option. Mav Turner, vice president for product management at SolarWinds and Tom Kennedy, vice president of federal for Rubrik, discuss the Air Force’s cloud purchasing plans, and why it’s a sign of things to come.

Effective Sept. 15, major changes will take effect in the TSP, changes that will make it more attractive for life-time investors and more convenient for people who need to withdraw different amounts over their retirement. Jessica Klement, NARFE vice president for advocacy and Mark Keen, certified financial planner and adviser gives us the details on this episode of Your Turn with Mike Causey.

On this episode, Tammy Flanagan covers the basics and then some, to help put more money in your monthly retirement income and reduce costs to you. Your Turn with Mike Causey airs at 10 a.m. EDT on 1500 AM in the Washington, D.C. area and www.federalnewsnetwork.com.

Jessica Klement, staff vice president for advocacy at NARFE, explains what concerns employees about the potential OPM-GSA merger, and what might happen under the combined agency. Jonathan Alboum, CTO of public sector at Veritas, discusses what agencies should include in their approaches to data, and why it’s important to establish data controls soon. Sammies finalist Emily Banuelos, team manager of the Western Service Area Runway Safety Group at FAA, discusses an automated system to warn ATC of trouble in the skies, and why it’s necessary to prevent some accidents.

Jessica Klement, staff vice president of advocacy at NARFE, details concerns about the Office of Personnel Management moving under GSA, and why she believes it might not be the best course of action. Katell Thielemann, research vice president at Gartner, outlines why risk management is good for cybersecurity, and why partnerships are important to a successful strategy. Ron Marks, president of ZPN National Security and Cyber Strategies, discusses the congressional commission to solve cyber issues in government, and why implementing their solutions may be difficult.

In today's Federal Newscast, the Supreme Court rules in favor of a federal retiree, who says the state of West Virginia unfairly taxed his annuity income.

When they retire after a long career with Uncle Sam many FERS retirees hope for good health, long life and low-inflation. Not necessarily in that order. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) has introduced a bill that would take FERS retirees off their diet-COLA plan. On this episode of the Your Turn radio show, we hear from NARFE's Staff Vice President for Advocacy Jessica Klement and Director of Legislative and Political Affairs John Hatton about the impact of the diet-COLA.

On this episode of the Your Turn radio show, we’ll be talking with Ken Thomas, president of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees, about what the shutdown has already done to government services and how people can get help. NARFE has been working with the federal coalition fighting the shutdown. It has also partnered with FEEA, the feds-helping-feds charity that is helping unpaid feds get by. Your Turn airs live at 10 a.m. ET on 1500 AM in the Washington, D.C. area.

In today's Federal Newscast, an alliance of 30 federal employee organizations are urging the President to end the partial government shutdown.

Richard G. Thissen is the NARFE National President. Prior to being elected in August 2014, Thissen served as NARFE National Treasurer, a post he had held since 2011. Thissen spent 27 years in federal service as a civilian employed for the Army. He was an Army level career program manager from 1989 to 1995 and served as personnel manager for some 700 civilians stationed worldwide. He has an extensive background in employee and retiree benefits and regulations. He has been a NARFE member since 1995, following his retirement from federal service. He has held a number of positions at the chapter and federation levels, including serving as president of the Missouri Federation. He was elected Region V Regional Vice President in 2002. Jessica Klement is the NARFE Staff Vice President, Advocacy. She is responsible for carrying out the legislative, grassroots and political strategies of one of the nation’s largest federal employee and retiree organization. As the association’s chief lobbyist, she is responsible for taking NARFE members’ concerns to Congress. Prior to joining NARFE, Klement served as the Government and Public Affairs Director at the Federal Managers Association, a membership organization representing the interests of the over 200,000 managers and supervisors in the federal government.   The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the earned pay, retirement and health care benefits of federal employees, retirees and their survivors.

The Trump administration wants to cut costs in the giant Federal Employees Retirement System by totally eliminating future COLAs for FERS retirees. If it becomes law the 2019 COLA — assuming there is one — would be the last. Workers under the FERS plan would be required to increase their contributions to the FERS program by one percentage point a year for six years. That would mean a 6 percent cut in take-home pay, if it happens. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association or NARFE is part of a coalition of federal-postal unions and management groups dedicated to protecting benefits, including the retirement plan, from cuts. So what are the odds they can do it again this year? And what about the odds of a 1.9 percent January federal pay raise? Jessica Klement and John Hatton with NARFE's legislative advocacy department, answer those questions on this week's  Your Turn radio show. Your Turn airs at 10 AM ET in the Washington D.C. area.

The two largest white-collar federal unions, the American Federation of Government Employees and the National Treasury Employees Union, are challenging provisions in two of the three executive orders President Donald Trump issued in late May.

The Trump administration has submitted a legislative package that would, among other things, eliminate cost-of-living adjustments for current and future workers retiring under the Federal Employees Retirement System. Under the White House plan, the employee contribution to the FERS program would also rise one percent each year, over each of the next six years. It also proposes eliminating the FERS supplement which is a payment workers now get if they retire before age 62, when they are eligible for Social Security. So what are the odds any of the proposed changes will happen this year? John Hatton, deputy director for Advocacy of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees outlines the proposals and talks about their chances on this week’s Your Turn radio show. Listen live at 10 a.m. EDT Wednesdays on www.federalnewsradio.com or at 1500 AM in the D.C. area.

In addition to a proposed pay raise freeze in January 2019, the White House and Congress are recommending that Congress do away with cost-of-living adjustments for both current and future retirees under the FERS program, which covers most feds still working. They also want to, among other things, reduce the rate of return on the Thrift Savings Plan’s Government Securities Investment (G) fund, and base federal pensions for new retirees on the average of the highest five years of salary instead of the highest three. So what do these proposals mean? What are the odds that any (or all) of them will be enacted into law this year? Or at some point in your career? Jessica Klement, staff vice president, advocacy; and Jill Talley, deputy director, public relations, from the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association discuss. So what do these proposals mean? What are the odds that any (or all) of them will be enacted into law this year? Or at some point during your career? We’ll find out when we talk with Jessica Klement, staff vice president, advocacy; and Jill Talley, deputy director, public relations, from the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association on this episode of Your Turn with Mike Causey. Your Turn airs Wednesday’s 10 a.m. ET at Federal News Radio or WFED 1500 AM.

Jessica Klement, staff vice president for advocacy at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, talks about the save-the-benefits effort and what you can do about it. She also gives us background on what was threatened but didn't happen last year and talks about why 2018 may be different. And not as forgiving.

Congress and the White House are considering several proposals to slim down or eliminate portions of the federal retirement program. Will they pass and if so, how will they affect you? Find out when NARFE Legislative Director Jessica Klement joins host Mike Causey on this weeks Your Turn. September 13, 2017

Dr. Harold Wong is a tax consultant and financial educator, whose primary goal is to increase retirement cash flow; reduce investment risk; and save taxes for Baby Boomers and Retirees.   Dr. Harold Wong (Ph.D. in Economics UC Berkeley) is a recognized expert speaker to NARFE chapters (National Active and Retired Federal Employees), appeared on more than 400+ TV and Radio programs, published in Forbes, USA Today and a columnist on money for the Arizona Republic for 7 years with syndication in over 1600 news outlets.   www.drharoldwong.com

Today we sit down with Richard G. Thissen & Jessica Klement who represent 225,000 members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. The majority of the federal workforce is spread out all over the country although many people have the wrong impression that people who work for the government only live in Washington, DC. Ms. Klement is part of the lobbying faction to ensure that Congress does cut into the benefits of retired members, amongst other issues concerning the millions of Americans that fit under the heading of retired federal workers. Though their membership is quite a bit larger than many nonprofits we have on Through the Noise, they are striving to go bigger and are aiming to have Congress fear their NARFE voting record the way they fear their NRA record. Is this a target for your organization? Listen up for tips. “Richard G. Thissen is the National President of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), one of the largest federal employee and retiree organizations dedicated to protecting the earned rights and benefits of America’s active and retired federal workers. Dick spent 27 years in federal service as a civilian employed by the Department of the Army before taking on various roles within NARFE and ultimately being elected as National President of NARFE in 2014. Jessica Klement is the legislative director of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) and is responsible for carrying out the legislative and political strategies of the organization, as well as taking NARFE members’ concerns to Congress as the association’s chief lobbyist. Jessica’s policy analysis on federal employee and retiree issues has been featured in The Washington Post, NPR, USA Today and the Associated Press and she is a regular guest on Federal News Radio.” The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the earned pay, retirement and health care benefits of federal employees, retirees and their survivors.

Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) is proposing a bill to change how to calculate cost of living adjustments for federal pension plans. The high-five method would factor in the five highest-earning years of service instead of three years. The Congressional Budget Office says it would save the federal government #3.1 billion over 10 years. Jessica Klement is legislative director of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. On In Depth with Francis Rose, she offered her take on the bill.