The FED Weekly

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The FED Weekly 25 Oct - 1 Nov 2025 (Episode 22) Nov 02, 2025

Show notes

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.

(00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
(00:43) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:47) - Legislative Impasse and Retroactive Pay Threats
(03:47) - Judicial Intervention in SNAP Benefits
(06:06) - Rising Health Care Premiums for 2026
(08:18) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(08:21) - Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Retirees
(10:15) - Medicare and Health Plan Coordination
(12:16) - Retirement System Administration Updates
(13:20) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(13:24) - Judicial Protection Against Workforce Reductions
(15:39) - 2026 Pay Structure and Locality Freeze
(17:42) - Telework Restrictions and Workforce Reduction Goals
(19:06) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

The FED Weekly 19-25 Oct 2025 (Episode21) Oct 26, 2025

Show notes

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.

(00:00) - The FED Weekly 19-25 Oct 2025 (Episode21)
(00:49) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:53) - 2026 Healthcare Cost Shock and Open Season Preparation
(04:07) - Administrative Instability and Medicare Claims
(06:13) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(06:17) - Financial Updates for Retired Federal Workers
(08:06) - Legislative Efforts to Achieve FERS COLA Parity
(09:46) - Ongoing Implementation of the Social Security Fairness Act
(10:55) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(10:59) - Government Shutdown and Legislative Failures
(14:03) - OPM’s Digital Transformation Initiative
(16:29) - Debate Over Federal Compensation Systems

The FED Weekly 12-18 Oct 2025 (Episode 20) Oct 19, 2025

Show notes

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.

The FED Weekly 5-11 Oct 2025 (Episode 19) Oct 12, 2025

Show notes

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.

(00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
(00:48) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:52) - 2026 Health Premiums: A Fiscal Shock
(03:31) - Plan Options and Discontinuations for 2026
(04:58) - Thrift Savings Plan Updates and Charitable Giving
(05:55) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(05:58) - Delayed 2026 COLA Announcement
(07:05) - COLA Projection and FERS Disparity
(08:33) - Legislative Updates: Retirement Service Credit
(09:42) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(09:45) - Shutdown Escalation and Legislative Response
(12:02) - Legislative Response: Emergency Relief for TSP
(14:31) - Future Workforce: Pay, Performance, and Telework
(14:49) - The 2026 Pay Raise Conflict
(16:31) - Performance, Pay, and Cuts Legislation
(18:07) - Telework Scrutiny
(19:26) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

The FED Weekly 28 Sep - 4 Oct 2025 (Episode 18) Oct 05, 2025

Show notes

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.

The FED Weekly 21-27 Sep 2025 (Episode 17) Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

The FED Weekly 14-20 Sep 2025 (Episode 16) Sep 21, 2025

Show notes

This week’s episode of The FED Weekly covers the escalating threat of a government shutdown as Congress remains deadlocked over funding bills ahead of the September 30 deadline. Lawrence explains how competing short-term funding proposals are fueling uncertainty for federal workers and retirees. President Trump’s 2026 alternative pay plan—offering a 1% raise for most and 3.8% for some law enforcement—raises concerns about future retirement annuities due to its impact on high-3 salary calculations. The possible final year of the Combined Federal Campaign signals changing traditions within government culture. On the retirement front, the Thrift Savings Plan saw positive returns in August, while a new guide emphasizes the importance of careful retirement timing to maximize benefits. For current workers, new legislation seeks to restore collective bargaining rights, and a major legal battle challenges longstanding federal job protections. The episode concludes with a reminder of the approaching deadline for the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) and deferred resignation. Staying informed and proactive is crucial as federal workforce policies continue to shift.

(00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(00:48) - The Looming Government Shutdown: A Standoff in Washington
(03:29) - A Proposed 2026 Pay Raise with a Catch
(05:17) - OPM’s Annual Combined Federal Campaign and a Hint of Its End
(06:25) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(06:28) - Thrift Savings Plan Performance: An August Rebound
(07:49) - Maximizing Your Retirement: A Guide to Timing Your Exit
(09:52) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(09:55) - Efforts to Restore Collective Bargaining Rights
(11:19) - The Legal Battle Over Federal Job Protections
(12:46) - VERA and Deferred Resignation: A Looming Deadline
(14:22) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

The FED Weekly 7-13 Sep 2025 (Episode 15) Sep 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

The FED Weekly 31 Aug - 6 Sep 2025 (Episode 14) Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

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.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:44) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
(03:33) - Thrift Savings Plan Milestone
(05:20) - Legislative Updates and Tax Provisions
(07:15) - Union Conflicts and Legal Battles
(09:23) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
(11:04) - Social Security Overpayment Policy
(12:04) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
(12:08) - 2026 Pay Proposal and Workforce Reforms
(16:51) - Pending Legislation and Future Outlook
(18:04) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

The FED Weekly 24-30 Aug 2025 (Episode 13) Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

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.

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