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Show Notes
In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover essential updates for federal employees and retirees for March 15-21, 2026. Key highlights include the Social Security Administration’s completion of $17 billion in retroactive payments after the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, boosting lifetime benefits for many public servants. Sunshine Week spotlighted transparency challenges, especially the reduction of FOIA officers and new policies affecting records at the Department of Homeland Security. Healthcare costs are rising sharply, with FEHB premiums up 12.3% and significant changes—such as the end of coverage for gender transition services. Administrative bottlenecks at OPM have nearly doubled the time it takes to process retirements. Federal workers face a prolonged DHS shutdown, pay concerns, mass reclassifications under Schedule Policy Career, and falling engagement. Legislative moves include the proposed 2027 FAIR Act, seeking a 4.1% federal pay raise to address pay gaps. The episode wraps with advice to stay informed amid these rapid and complex federal workforce changes.
- (00:00) - Welcome and Overview
- (00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
- (03:13) - Sunshine Week Transparency Fights
- (05:13) - COLA Early Read for 2027
- (06:21) - Virginia Women Veterans Week
- (07:20) - USPS Career Events and Insolvency Warning
- (08:37) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
- (10:16) - Coverage Changes and FEDVIP Updates
- (11:50) - OPM Retirement Backlog Surge
- (12:44) - Tax Basics for Retirement Income
- (13:41) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
- (15:19) - Court Wins and HR System Overhaul
- (17:14) - Schedule Policy Career and 2027 Pay Push
- (19:07) - Engagement Drop and Closing Wrap