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SWEATING FOR SUCCESS!!! One of the hallmarks of the Clinton administration's efforts to improve the bureaucracy was the heavy emphasis on celebrating racial and sexual diversity, programs to prevent AIDs and STDs and to help people kick the smoking habit. Oh, and cutting bodies (roughly 400,000) from the payroll. The new Bush team is also trying to make its mark on government
but in a different direction. Workers in several agencies (such
as the Office of Personnel Management) have been told to rewrite
their regulations, but this time in English and to get involved
in volunteer programs. At others, like Treasury, employees say they've
been urged by bosses to make sure their offices and desks are free
from clutter. Rubenesque feds in lots of agencies are being urged to lose some weight! To shape up or... Instead of cutting bodies from the payroll (at least so far) the
new political team in some departments and agencies wants the troops
to be healthier and happier by shedding some pounds. Most health
experts agree that a majority of Americans are overweight and this
can lead to serious health problems and early death. An employee of an independent agency said his staff was told early on that if people wanted to get ahead they should dress "more appropriately" and in a more businesslike manner. "We were so dirty from hauling files home, or hiding them to make the place look better...it was hard to justify a suit or even casual business dress." he said. The Office of Personnel Management is the lead agency for the human side of government and it's practicing what the administration is preaching. OPM had a Health and Wellness Fair at headquarters earlier this week, a yoga demonstration and a chance to do a "Power Walk With the Director's Office." No dress code, just comfortable clothing. In addition to being seen by, and with, the generally very fit top management staff, feds who did the power walk got a payoff. Workers were promised that "nutritional snacks" would be served at 11 a.m. and that there would be plenty "for participants after the walk." INVESTMENT DEADLINE You have until close of business today (Jan. 31) to take advantage of the open enrollment period for the Thrift Savings Plan. There are lots of reasons to sign up (if you aren't already), or to take advantage of the new, higher contribution rates available to TSP and 401k participants. This year investors who are under the old CSRS retirement plan can put up to 7 percent of salary into any (or all) of the TSP's 5 funds. Those under the FERS program can invest up to 12 percent (subject to the IRS limit for individual contributions to 401k plans). This year that limit is $11,000. That's up from $10,500 last year. For more on the TSP and the open season checkout Monday's column "Save Taxes, Make Lots of Money, Act Now!". For full details on the TSP's rules and benefits, click here . Remember, time is money and time---for this open season---is running out. LONG TERM CARE SIGN UP The long-awaited Federal Family Long Term Care Insurance program will have an early open season from March 25 to May 15. The regular open season will run from July 1 thorough December 31. Premiums and benefits have still not been announced but you can get a good look at the LTC product design by clicking here. TSP vs. WHITE HOUSE??? The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board yesterday accused the White House of trying to block its $350 million damage lawsuit against what the board said is a "fraudulent contractor." The Board, which manages the $100 billion federal Thrift Savings Plan says AMS (American Management Services Inc.) repeatedly failed to deliver on a plan to modernize the TSP's computer operations. AMS said board personnel were responsible for many of the delays. Earlier this year a lower court refused to hear the Board's lawsuit. At that point the board went to a federal appeals court. Earlier this week the Justice Department asked the court not to hear the Board's appeal. Congress is almost certain to get into the act. email me at:mcausey@federalnewsradio.com
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