1A 'If You Can Keep It': The Future Of The Federal Workforce
Nov 25, 2024
Max Steyer, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, David Lewis, political science professor, and Jacqueline Simon, policy director for AFGE, dive into the future of the federal workforce. They explore the implications of initiatives aimed at reducing government positions, discussing the tension between efficiency and the security of civil servants. The guests highlight the critical differences between civil servants and political appointees, advocating for the merit-based system while addressing the challenges of misconceptions about federal workers and their essential contributions.
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Spoils System's Failure
- The 19th-century spoils system, where presidents appointed loyalists, led to President Garfield's assassination.
- This prompted a shift towards a merit-based civil service, reducing incompetence and cronyism.
Misconceptions about Federal Employees
- 70% of civil servants work in national security, contrary to the perception that most regulate industries.
- Most government employees work outside D.C., performing essential tasks like Social Security processing.
Schedule F Challenges
- Reinstating Schedule F might face greater obstacles due to Biden-era rulemaking.
- Even if unsuccessful, the attempt signals job vulnerability to federal employees.