Possible Exemption: 10% penalty tax on early distributions from Thrift Savings Plan for qualified public safety employees

Title: HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act

Article Snip: "...The proposed bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the exemption from the 10% penalty tax on early distributions from a government retirement plan for qualified public safety employees who have reached age 50, to expand the exemption to include specified federal law enforcement officers, customs and border protection officers, federal firefighters, and air traffic controllers who similarly have reached age 50. ..."

Reference: www.washingtonpost.com
HR 2146

Senators Seek Clarity on Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board Programs’ Cyber Integrity

Title: Senators Seek Clarity on Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board Programs’ Cyber Integrity

Article Snip: "...recent reports suggest that the Board may have significant weaknesses in its networks,” the Senators wrote. The Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration has said that it has had difficulty accessing the Board’s networks in order to conduct a compliance audit, which is required by law. “Independent assessment is an essential part of any organization’s cyber risk management program,” the Senators wrote. “We urge you to allow the auditors to conduct the necessary penetration testing..."

Reference: www.hsgac.senate.gov

House decides not to screw-over federal workers yet: New budget proposal drops federal benefit cuts

Title: New budget proposal drops federal benefit cuts

Article Snip: "...The House budget included proposals to 10 percent through attrition and increase Postal Service employee contributions to their health insurance premiums as well as decreases the rate of return on the Thrift Savings Plan's government securities fund (G Fund) and encourages the elimination of the Federal Employee Retirement System annuity supplement. None of those proposals made it into the final version..."

Reference: www.federaltimes.com
House budget

Social Security Credit for Military Service

Title: Social Security Credit for Military Service

Article Snip: "...If you are a FERS or CSRS-Offset employee, the military-related Social Security time could increase the Social Security benefit you already stand to receive. In either case, be sure that military service time is included in any benefit payments if you are already retired or benefit projections if you are still actively employed...."

Reference: www.fedweek.com

Important Medicare Reminder! Three (3) months before your 65th birthday you should enroll in Medicare (If you qualify)

Title: Medicare

Article Snip: "...There are 2 main ways to get your Medicare coverage— Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO). Some people get additional coverage, like Medicare prescription drug coverage or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). Learn about these coverage choices and 3 steps to help you decide how to get your coverage...."

Reference: www.medicare.gov

Retiring PMG opposes government pensions on principle and wants to impose his view on the entire federal government

Title: With a ‘Golden Parachute’ in Hand, Donahoe Opposes Retirement for Young Workers

Article Snip: "...apparently Donahoe’s views have nothing to do with the Postal Service’s manufactured “financial crisis.” He opposes government pensions on principle and wants to impose his view to the entire federal government. “I would encourage Congress to view the Postal Service as a test bed or laboratory of change that might be applied to the rest of the federal government,” he said. “I’d like to see the Congress encourage much more experimentation at the federal level,” Donahoe added. “The Postal Service has the kind of management that would appreciate being at the front edge of change and would make good use of opportunities.” APWU President Mark Dimondstein denounced Donahoe’s parting shot at young workers. “Donahoe’s remarks are the height of hypocrisy,” the union president said. “Every worker should be able to look forward to a stable, secure retirement.” ..."

Reference: www.apwu.org

How Will My Retirement Be Calculated?

Title: How Will My Retirement Be Calculated?

Article Snip: "...I have 30 years with the Government (non-continuous). My first 15 years were under the CSRS system. The second 15 years are under FERS. How will my retirement be calculated? ..."

Reference: fedsmith.com
How Will My Retirement Be Calculated?