In late January, Lawmakers in both the House and the Senate introduced legislation that would provide an average 8.7 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2024. The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act (H.R. 536 / S. 124) was introduced by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) in the House and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) in the Senate. FMA has endorsed both bills.

Federal managers deserve to be treated with respect for their efforts and the work they have performed over many years. Every job they hold and perform daily is because of a congressional mandate. It is not too much to ask that, in return, feds be given the ability to maintain a living wage that provides for them and their families.

Compensation for federal managers has not kept pace with inflation (6.5 percent in 2022 and 7.1 percent in 2021), increases to the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (the average enrollee share increase for 2023 was 8.7 percent), or comparable private sector salaries in a locality pay area. The Federal Salary Council reported in 2022 that federal workers earned more than 24 percent less than private sector counterparts, a growing disparity that is driving many good feds out of public service and repelling others from considering it.

Discussion over federal pay for 2024 will likely continue through the current year. We are awaiting President Biden’s budget proposal for FY 2024, which will include his proposed pay raise for 2024. Sources suggest his budget proposal will be released on March 9. Congress will then weigh in on the subject via the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill over the summer. In the meantime, FMA will work to build support for the FAIR Act, which currently has 38 cosponsors in the House and 15 cosponsors in the Senate.

To track the progress of the FAIR Act, click here.