Actively Participating in Our Representative Democracy
The Federal Managers Association (FMA) recently met for its 85th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar. FMA’s mission is to advocate for excellence in public service, and on March 29, 2023, FMA members from across the country did just that when they went to the US Capitol and met with their Senators and Representatives.
For most attendees, the Day on the Hill is the highlight of the convention. And for good reason. Managers from the Department of Defense, the Social Security Administration, the Railroad Retirement Board, and many other agencies and departments go to Capitol Hill. They are empowered by knowing they are part of the legislative process. They walk the halls of Congress, make their voices heard by their elected representatives, and participate directly in the ongoing story of American democracy. They meet with decision makers and their staffs, educate them on issues that impact the profession of management in the federal workforce, and work to assist themselves and their fellow managers. And by joining together, with strength in numbers and a professional, conversational demeanor when taking our message to Capitol Hill, FMA members have an exceptional track record of achievements and legislative success stories.
FMA helped secure the FERS sick leave credit and the self-plus-one option for the FEHB program. More recently, FMA originated and fostered the idea that ultimately became disabled veteran leave, helped achieve paid parental leave, and changed the policy that will give feds in the reserves the ability to enroll in Tricare Reserve Select. These and many more accomplishments are the result of hard work, perseverance, and good old foot leather, making connections during the Day on the Hill, and the necessary follow-up communications after returning to their homes.
This year, FMA found a lot of common ground with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. We are proud to be non-partisan, knowing a good idea that invests in the workforce and empowers managers is good regardless of what letter a decision maker has next to their name.
FMA members urged Congress to pass all appropriations bills in a timely manner and prevent a potential shutdown or the continued overreliance on continuing resolutions. They advocated for the FAIR Act (H.R. 536 / S. 124), legislation sponsored by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) that would provide for an 8.7 percent pay raise in 2024. They advocated for meaningful hiring reforms, such as the bipartisan Chance to Compete Act (H.R. 159 / S. 59). They talked about fixing old problems, including repeal of the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision, or making Cost-of-Living-Adjustments more fair for all retirees. They brought up issues that have been dormant for a while but still make a lot of common sense, including funding for ongoing mandatory training requirements for all managers and supervisors and providing for a dual-track system to allow technical experts to rise without taking on management roles. And this year, many of our members spoke with their Senators and Representatives to oppose the idea that would eliminate disability compensation for a large number of veterans.
FMA members returned from their Day on the Hill energized and invigorated at contributing to the discussion, to effect change and enhance management in the federal workforce. Keeping that flame burning is one of the best ways to build morale and engagement, retain the dedicated managers we have and to recruit the next generation to public service. If you are not yet a member of FMA but would like to join our efforts, including future Hill days, please visit www.fedmanagers.org and consider joining today!
If you are not already a member of FMA, please consider becoming a member.
The views reflected in this column are those of FMA and do not necessarily represent the views of FEDmanager. To learn more about the Federal Managers Association (FMA), visit their website: FedManagers.org.