A three-member bipartisan Commission appointed by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate, establishes the overall policy of the U.S. Civil Service Commission. Also included under this heading is the Office of the Executive Assistant to the Commission and related support staff. Funds are requested in fiscal year 1974 to maintain the currently authorized staff. Full-Time Permanent Positions Total Operating Cost Included under this heading are: the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director; Directors and The wide variety of legal work that falls within the Commission's jurisdiction, either by statute or by Executive order, is included under this heading. This covers any legal question relating to the Commission's policies, procedures and operations on which advice may be sought by the Commissioners, Commission officials, officials of other Government agencies, Members of Congress, and attorneys having business before the Commission. An increase of $125,000 and 5 positions is requested in fiscal year 1974 for increased litigation work primarily related to EEO in anticipation of a greater number of court cases based on the EEO Act of 1972. This item includes administrative support functions such as library services, personnel services, budget and fiscal operations, records administration and procurement. These services are required at both the central office and regional locations. In addition to this support, also included are telephone and mail costs. The net increase of 5 positions and $339,000 required in FY 1974 results from: (1) Expanding reimbursable programs requiring additional support services amounting to 21 positions and $492,000; (2) mandatory mail and FTS payments costing an additional $217,000 of which $77,000 is the appropriated share; and (3) reduced charges to the S&E appropriation of $370,000 and 16 positions due to a number of non-recurring items and a decreased share of support costs. PROPOSED CHANGES IN APPROPRIATION LANGUAGE In order to improve and simplify the budgeting and accounting requirements of the Commission, the following changes in appropriation language are proposed. Appropriation Text [Annuities Under Special Acts] [For payment of annuities authorized by the act of May 29, 1944, as amended (48 U.S.C. 1373a), and the Act of August 19, 1950, as amended (33 U.S.C. 771-775) $1,144,000, to remain available until expended.] Explanation of Changes Change provides for simplified accounting of this Payment to Civil Service Retirement & Disability Fund For financing the unfunded liability of new and increased annuity benefits becoming effective on or after October 20, 1969, as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 8348, [$546,570,000] and annuities under special acts to be credited to the Civil Service retirement and ) disability [fund.] fund, $874,572,000, of which ) ) $284,667,000 shall be derived from the Postal Service ) In lieu of requesting substantive legislation, it is proposed that the appropriation act provide for reimbursement to the Fund to be paid by the U.S. Postal Service for unfunded liability created by pay increases and changes in retirement benefits authorized for postal employees on or after May 1, 1971. |