House bills would aid federal workers

March 23, 2008 12:15 am

BEFORE ADJOURNING for a two-week break, the House of Representatives showed real interest in issues that affect federal workers.

The House supported parity in setting pay raises for military and civilian employees.

As you will recall, the president's budget recommended a 2.9 percent increase for civilian workers and a 3.4 percent boost for the military.

The House Budget Committee insisted on equal raises for both. The budget resolution as adopted endorsed the committee's recommendations, so civilian workers and the military could see an average 3.4 percent pay boost in 2009.

The final figure could vary, based on factors such as locality pay, actions in the Senate and any year-end budget shenanigans with a Democratic Congress and a Republican White House in an election year.

This was victory for Washington-area members of Congress, who are strong supporters of pay parity.

The House Government Oversight and Reform Committee approved legislation to expand telework opportunities for federal employees. The bill, a bipartisan effort between Illinois Democrat Danny Davis and Virginia Republican Tom Davis, would apply to all federal agencies.

It would require federal agencies to develop a telework program that would allow an employee to telework at least 20 percent of every two-week pay period. Each agency would have to appoint a senior-level telework managing officer and incorporate telework into its continuous operational planning.

With gasoline prices of more than $3 a gallon and ever-longer commutes due to congestion, this bill could have a positive impact on federal workers in our area.

Receiving considerable attention are two bills that were just introduced.

If you have college-age children, you know that their health insurance coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program expires one month after their 22nd birthdays. Davis of Illinois and Davis of Virginia introduced legislation to increase the maximum age for health benefits to 25.

On retirement and sick leave, a bipartisan effort by Northern Virginia Reps. James Moran, Frank Wolf and Davis would provide a limited lump-sum payment for employees under the Federal Employees' Retirement System. This proposal would pay 15 percent, not to exceed $10,000, for accumulated sick leave that exceeds 500 hours.

MILEAGE RATE HIKE

The General Services Administration has just raised the federal mileage reimbursement for personally owned vehicles from 48.5 to 50.5 cents per mile. The change went into effect March 19.

Kevin Wilkinson of Spotsylvania County is a veteran federal employee. Write him c/o Federal Feedback, The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401. Or e-mail
Email: kwlknsn@yahoo.com.