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Show Notes
In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover the record-breaking 43-day federal government shutdown, its severe financial impacts on federal employees, and disruptions to public services. Despite the shutdown, the 2025 Federal Benefits Open Season remains scheduled for November 10 – December 8, with some health, dental, and vision plans being discontinued, requiring affected participants to select new coverage. Key updates for retirees include final retroactive payments following the repeal of WEP and GPO, a warning about related scams, and confirmation of a 2.8% Social Security COLA for 2026. On workforce policies, Lawrence highlights a court injunction protecting furloughed employees from termination, ongoing pay debates for 2026—including targeted increases for law enforcement and calls for broader raises by unions—and emerging legislation that could overhaul pay structures and heighten risk for GS employees. The episode emphasizes the importance of federal employees and retirees staying informed as policies and benefits continue to evolve.
- (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
- (00:44) - Issues Affecting Federal Workers: Shutdown and Benefits
- (00:47) - Government Shutdown: Record-Breaking Crisis
- (03:19) - 2025 Federal Benefits Open Season
- (05:15) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
- (05:18) - WEP and GPO Repeal Implementation
- (07:50) - 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
- (09:51) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
- (09:54) - Shutdown Legal Impacts and Job Security
- (11:41) - 2026 Federal Pay and Legislative Debates
- (14:09) - H.R. 201: Performance-Based Pay Proposal
- (16:39) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged