In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap significant developments for federal employees and retirees from December 14-20, 2025. Highlights include the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act, impacting the federal workforce and supply chain security, plus executive orders granting federal employees extra holiday leave and finalizing a 1% pay raise for 2026—though locality pay remains frozen. There were significant updates to federal health benefits, with premiums rising about 10% and substantial changes in coverage, including the removal of gender transition procedures. Retirees face a growing crisis as OPM's retirement processing backlog triples from the previous year, causing significant delays in benefit payments. Labor tensions are high, with union rights under threat and a new bill (HR 2550) progressing in Congress to counteract executive actions limiting collective bargaining. Other key stories include the launch of the US TechForce hiring initiative, USPS financial troubles, and controversy over agency relocations and transparency rules at USCIS.
This episode of The FED Weekly covers the critical updates for federal employees and retirees from December 7-13, 2025. Key focus areas include the end of the federal Benefits Open Season and a sharp 12.3% increase in health insurance premiums for 2026, compounding a 25% hike over two years. Budget negotiations resulted in another temporary continuing resolution, extending federal funding through March 2026 but restricting agency operations. There’s concern over minimal pay raises: most federal workers receive just a 1.0% increase (with no bump to locality pay), far below inflation, except for specific law enforcement roles, who get 3.8%. Retirees face diminishing real income, as rising healthcare and Medicare costs outpace COLA increases. Legislative action saw Congress pass a bill to protect labor rights, but related protections were stripped from the crucial NDAA, leaving defense workers exposed. Additionally, federal wage-grade employees will see retroactive pay raises in early 2026. The episode closes with advice to stay informed and engaged amid ongoing changes in pay, benefits, and labor rights.
This week on The FED Weekly, we cover the critical news for federal employees and retirees from November 30 to December 6, 2025. The Federal Benefits Open Season ends December 8, and participants must act quickly due to plan changes and increased health costs. Flexible spending account re-enrollment is required, with updated IRS limits. The anticipated 2026 pay raise stands at 1.0% for most employees, except law enforcement, who may see a 3.8% increase. Thrift Savings Plan funds show growth, while year-end withdrawal deadlines impact 2025 taxes. Retirees will receive a 2.8% COLA boost, but rising insurance premiums may offset gains. Notably, there’s a temporary block on State Department layoffs due to a court ruling, and OPM drafts impactful regulations to reclassify policy roles, threatening civil service protections. The fight for DoD union rights continues in NDAA negotiations. Finally, delayed wage grade pay raises for DoD workers are being processed, offering relief. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage of these evolving workforce and retirement issues.
This week on The FED Weekly, we cover crucial updates for federal employees and retirees from November 23-29, 2025. The episode breaks down Federal Benefits Open Season—highlighting a significant 12.3% hike in health premiums for 2026—and details how new plan designs shift more costs onto members. Legislative efforts to tackle rising healthcare expenses, including reforms targeting pharmacy benefit managers, are also discussed. For retirees, the 2026 FERS cost-of-living adjustment is capped at 2.0%, falling short of matching premium increases, raising concerns about financial security. The episode also explains pay changes: most General Schedule workers receive only a 1.0% increase. At the same time, law enforcement sees targeted boosts, reviews ongoing federal workforce reductions, and faces a high-stakes legislative battle over collective bargaining rights. Lawrence stresses the importance of staying informed as policy and benefit changes continue to reshape the federal workforce landscape.
In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap crucial updates for federal employees and retirees for November 16–22, 2025. Key topics include the annual Federal Benefits Open Season, which features essential plan changes and mandatory actions—especially for those with terminating health or dental plans. If enrolled in a plan ending in 2025, participants must choose new coverage or risk automatic enrollment in a high-premium default plan or loss of dental coverage. The episode also spotlights changes in Thrift Savings Plan catch-up contributions, with high earners required to use Roth options for 2026. For retirees, it covers cost-of-living adjustments and special open season instructions for employees transitioning to retirement. Legislative action includes a bipartisan move to restore federal union rights, significant new OPM compliance and audit measures for DEIA and return-to-office directives, clarifications on manager liability, and new senior leadership development programs.
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.
In this episode of The FED Weekly, we deliver a comprehensive update on critical issues affecting federal employees and retirees during the ongoing government shutdown. Highlights include missed paychecks, reliance on emergency resources, and intense financial strain across the federal workforce. Legislative deadlock persists, with debates over healthcare and new bills, such as the Shutdown Fairness Act, aiming to provide immediate relief. Recent judicial interventions upheld SNAP benefits for millions and blocked reduction-in-force notices, protecting worker stability. Healthcare costs are rising sharply, with FEHB premiums increasing by 12.3% and new administrative requirements for retirees navigating Medicare. The finalized pay structure for 2026 features a modest 1% general raise, a targeted increase for law enforcement, and frozen locality rates—leaving most employees with eroded compensation due to inflation and rising health care costs. Efforts to restrict telework are intensifying, with return-to-office mandates being linked to workforce reduction strategies.
We cover the ongoing government shutdown, highlighting the deadlocked budget negotiations that have left 730,000 federal employees working without pay. Primary legislation discussed includes the Shutdown Fairness Act (S. 3012), which aims to secure immediate pay for essential staff, and proposed changes to retroactive pay guarantees, raising uncertainty for furloughed workers. Judicial action prevented a lapse in SNAP benefits and blocked mass federal workforce reductions during the shutdown. Federal health premiums are set to rise sharply by 12.3% in 2026, while the finalized cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retirees reveal continued inflationary pressures and disparity between CSRS and FERS annuitants. Additional updates include new Medicare rules, complexities in dual enrollment for retirees, TSP administration news, and ongoing efforts to restrict telework. The episode emphasizes the real impact on federal employees’ finances and job security, urging listeners to stay informed as policy changes continue to reshape the federal workforce.
This episode of The FED Weekly covers key updates affecting federal employees and retirees from October 19–25, 2025. We discuss steep 2026 health insurance premium hikes—12.3% for Federal Employees Health Benefits participants and 11.3% for Postal Service enrollees—which far outpace the modest cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees (2.8% for CSRS and 2.0% for FERS). The episode details plan discontinuations ahead of Open Season and highlights partial Medicare claims relief amid the ongoing government shutdown. Lawrence breaks down legislative efforts to secure pay for federal workers during the shutdown, ongoing reform bills like the Equal COLA Act, and OPM’s major initiative to unify 119 fragmented HR systems for greater efficiency. The episode also compares union-driven efforts for a general 4.3% pay raise with a performance-based pay proposal, both linked to broader debates about recruitment, retention, and the future of federal employment. The overall picture is one of tough financial pressures, legislative gridlock, and significant system changes, underscoring the importance of keeping informed to navigate the evolving landscape.
In this episode of The FED Weekly, we cover the critical challenges facing federal employees and retirees for the week of October 12-18, 2025. Key topics include the deepening financial crisis from the ongoing government shutdown, with hundreds of thousands missing paychecks and facing uncertainty over back pay. Military pay was protected through an executive order, heightening workforce tensions. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced a sharp 12.3% increase in 2026 Federal Employees Health Benefits premiums and the exit of several health plans, forcing many to switch coverage under financial stress. The shutdown delayed the 2026 COLA announcement, impacting retirees’ planning, and highlighted structural disadvantages for FERS annuitants. OPM faces a massive retirement processing backlog, exacerbated by record retirements and administrative furloughs. New layoffs targeted at specific agencies and a sweeping executive order tightened political control over federal hiring. Several bills to protect affected workers and retirees were discussed, including relief for TSP participants and efforts to ban RIFs during shutdowns. The episode emphasizes the importance of staying informed amid ongoing instability in pay, benefits, and job security.
This episode of The FED Weekly covers the significant changes affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of October 5–11, 2025. Key topics include the announcement of the 2026 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) open season, with average premium increases of 12.3%—the second year of double-digit hikes—and notable carrier discontinuations. The episode highlights the financial pressure from missed paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown, compounded by mass layoff notices and threats of permanent workforce reductions. Updates on the delayed 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement, proposed retirement fairness legislation, and emergency relief bills for Thrift Savings Plan withdrawals are discussed. Additionally, new legislative proposals targeting federal pay, performance-based compensation, workforce reduction, and telework restrictions are examined. Listeners are urged to review their benefits carefully and stay informed amid continued policy uncertainty.
This episode of The FED Weekly covers significant developments for federal employees and retirees from September 28 to October 4, 2025. A government shutdown defined the week after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill, with health care subsidies at the center of the dispute. The episode also details the massive culmination of the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program, resulting in over 150,000 federal workers leaving their jobs—historically the largest such event in the country's history. Despite the shutdown, annuity payments to retirees remain secure, as they are funded independently from appropriations. The podcast highlights ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) and discusses the projected 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of approximately 2.7%. The shutdown led to significant furloughs, administrative turmoil, and plans for a permanent reduction-in-force, with the administration aiming to restructure the civil service and shift toward at-will employment. The episode highlights the ongoing uncertainty and challenges faced by federal workers and retirees.
In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap critical issues for federal employees and retirees during the week of September 21-27, 2025. The primary focus is the escalating government shutdown crisis, which has been heightened by the Senate's rejection of a House funding bill and the cancellation of key votes, raising fears of furloughs and disrupted benefits processing. The show highlights the ongoing suspense surrounding the 2026 FEHB premium rate announcements, following this year’s record 13.5% hike linked to expanded coverage mandates. For retirees, Lawrence projects a 2.8% COLA for CSRS and Social Security, with a 2% cap for FERS. The episode also critiques the President’s 2026 pay plan, which includes a 1% general increase and extraordinarily higher raises for specific law enforcement roles, drawing backlash from unions. Legislative threats—including pay and hiring freezes and a proposal for performance-based compensation—pose risks to stability and financial security. Finally, OPM updates to wage area boundaries and telework policies are covered. The episode underscores the importance of staying informed as the federal workforce landscape rapidly evolves.
This week on The FED Weekly (7-13 Sep 2025), we cover major updates affecting federal employees and retirees. Congress introduced the Claiming Age Clarity Act to simplify Social Security claiming age terms, aiming to help retirees make more intelligent decisions about when to start benefits. Another bill, the Keep Billionaires out of Social Security Act, aims to prevent Social Security office closures and boost funding for better service, reflecting pushback against digital-only approaches. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported weak job growth, primarily tied to federal layoffs and canceled contracts, raising concerns about the risk of a government shutdown. For current federal workers, the Office of Personnel Management is overhauling hiring with a new “rule of many” and streamlined two-page resumes. Pay raises are in contention: President Trump proposes a 1% raise (with exceptions for law enforcement), while unions call for 4.3%. There’s also a major standoff over labor rights and collective bargaining. Additionally, new military leave and pay provisions are clarified for 2025 and 2026. The episode stresses the importance of staying informed as policies rapidly evolve.
This week, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program announced a historic 13.5% premium hike for 2025—significantly outpacing proposed federal pay raises and eroding purchasing power for employees and retirees. Expanded IVF and anti-obesity drug coverage are driving up costs. In retirement news, the Thrift Savings Plan topped $1 trillion in assets, showcasing strong investment returns despite increased market dependence for future security. The newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings selective tax relief for seniors and overtime earners, but also tightens SNAP eligibility, potentially harming low-income federal families. Executive action by President Trump banned collective bargaining at more agencies, igniting legal battles and intensifying fights over union rights. Meanwhile, the administration proposed just a 1% general pay raise (with a larger increase for law enforcement), further restricted telework, and introduced hiring reforms favoring ideological alignment. The federal workforce continued shrinking due to mass layoffs, with contrasting bills in Congress reflecting the divided outlook for pay, performance, and the core principles of federal employment.
In this week’s episode of The FED Weekly, Lawrence covers urgent updates for federal employees and retirees. The 2025 Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premiums are set to rise by a historic 13.5%, the most significant increase in almost 20 years, while dental and vision plan hikes are more moderate. With government funding still stalled in Congress and a potential government shutdown looming, federal workers face job uncertainty and possible income disruption, though annuity and Social Security payments will continue. The projected 2026 COLA suggests a 2.5–2.6% increase for CSRS retirees and a capped 2% for most FERS retirees. New bipartisan legislation (the FORWARD Act) aims to let certain military retirees and disabled veterans contribute to Thrift Savings Plan accounts post-service.
Meanwhile, the President’s 2026 budget proposes just a 1% pay raise for civilian employees, with 3.8% targeted for some law enforcement—drawing union criticism. OPM is overhauling performance awards to reward top performers more heavily. Updates also include the IRS reversing layoff plans, clarification on probation periods, and the status of retirement and pay-performance reform bills. The episode encourages listeners to stay informed about these fast-changing federal policies.
This episode of The FED Weekly covers crucial updates for federal employees and retirees for August 17-23, 2025. Host Lawrence outlines the impending 2026 pay freeze, significant increases in FEHB health insurance premiums, and the removal of gender-affirming care coverage from all federal health plans starting in 2026. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act introduces several new tax deductions, but won’t fully counterbalance the financial strain from pay and benefit changes. The episode also notes the controversial cancellation of the 2025 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, a dramatic reversal at the IRS from mass layoffs to emergency rehiring, and strengthened probationary periods for new hires. Lawrence discusses the government’s push toward AI-driven workforce solutions, the dismantling of existing innovation hubs, and pending legislation affecting pay, telework, and union rights. For retirees, the projected 2026 COLA is 2.7%, but FERS retirees will receive a lower “diet” adjustment. The episode concludes with advice for senior annuitants to ensure they’ve claimed Social Security benefits.
With Congress adjourning for the August recess, a government shutdown looms as key budget bills remain unresolved. Divided proposals over federal spending heighten uncertainty, threatening paychecks and agency services. Major union battles escalate, including terminations of collective bargaining agreements at the VA and EPA, while unions mobilize to protect worker rights and challenge policies undermining civil service protections. The 2026 federal pay raise remains uncertain, facing a proposed pay freeze for civilian employees and competing legislative proposals. OPM issues new guidance on performance awards and probationary periods, prioritizing high performance and accountability. Retiree COLA projections show moderate increases for 2026, and OPM advances efforts to implement a fully digital retirement process aimed at easing administrative backlogs. Overall, the episode highlights deepening challenges to federal labor rights, pay, and workforce stability.
This episode of The FED Weekly covers major updates affecting federal employees and retirees for August 3-9, 2025. Key topics include OPM’s directive to remove COVID-19 vaccine records from personnel files, new legislation to protect employee access to personnel files, and revised rules for probationary periods that make it easier to terminate new hires. Legal setbacks for federal unions are discussed, along with union-led resistance to proposed cuts and privatization at NASA and USDA, which unions argue threaten job security and public services. Updates for retirees focus on FERS changes: a larger-than-usual COLA, a slight boost to the annuity formula for long-term service, and possible adjustments to retirement eligibility, especially for employees with under 20 years’ service. Guidance on deferred resignation and its interplay with retirement is also covered. The episode highlights an environment of administrative change, union pushback, and ongoing legislative and legal battles that federal workers and retirees should closely monitor.