On May 28, President Biden announced his budget request for Fiscal Year 2022. In it, he is calling for a 2.7 percent pay raise for the federal workforce. In a press release, FMA National President Craig Carter recognized the Administration’s effort, but indicated continuing support for the FAIR Act, introduced in the House and the Senate, which would provide for a 3.2 percent pay raise in 2022. 

“We recognize the proposed 2.7 percent pay raise for the federal workforce as a significant improvement from the 1 percent raise feds received this year, and we acknowledge the return to the traditional pay parity for feds with the uniformed military. FMA is already on record as endorsing the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act in both the House and Senate, which would provide for a 3.2 percent pay raise in 2022, and we will continue to advocate for that as a reasonable boost for both the federal workforce and the military,” Carter said. 

Carter also noted the ongoing issue of salary compression, which is notably beginning to affect employees in areas such as Huntsville, Alabama, and Columbus, Ohio. “The federal pay ceiling cap has not kept up with the higher cost of living in many cities across the United States,” Carter noted. “This issue can and will play a role in recruitment and retention to the federal workforce. If an employee is offered a promotion at a higher level, with more responsibilities, but no corresponding salary increase, will they take on the new role? Technology employees who are now capped may be tempted to leave the government for the private sector, where there is no pay cap. Congress must address this problem before it grows exponentially.”

Carter also recognized the budget request’s stated effort to “empower and protect” the federal workforce. “The overview for his budget request speaks to efforts to improving hiring outcomes, including expansion and enhancement of recruiting and hiring top talent. We look forward to working with the administration and Congress on these specific proposals to revitalize hiring,” Carter said. “FMA is also committed to working with President Biden on the President’s Management Agenda as it continues to take shape.”