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Our online community now tops 150,000 federal workers and supporters across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Each briefing distills the day’s most consequential developments, adds clear-eyed legal analysis, and pairs it with mindfulness tools that keep you steady no matter how turbulent the news cycle becomes. If this newsletter helps you stay informed, please pass it on: https://fedlegalhelp.com/newsletter. Your advocacy broadens the protective circle for every federal employee.
Top Three News Stories:
1. GSA Tech Chief Kept Tesla Tie While in Government Role, Raising Ethics Questions
Government Executive reports the head of GSA’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS), Thomas Shedd, disclosed he is on an “unpaid leave of absence” from Tesla while serving in his federal post—an arrangement ethics experts called “unheard of.” GSA said required ethics processes were followed; Shedd’s role touches major systems like SAM.gov and FedRAMP. The disclosure also references stock options and potential recusals. The story spotlights how conflicts must be actively managed for senior officials. Government Executive
Legal Insight:
Financial ties do not vanish just because you join the government. If your work could affect a former employer or a company you hold, you may need to recuse or get a written ethics waiver. Keep copies of your OGE disclosure (450 or 278e), any recusal screens, and emails assigning substitute decision-makers. If you’re asked to touch a matter involving a former employer, ask for ethics guidance in writing first.
2. Census Prep Concerns: Advisory Boards Cut, Testing Timeline in Doubt
Experts warned that the administration’s push to change who is counted is distracting from the real issue: getting the 2030 Census ready. They cited “radio silence” on a 2026 test and the elimination of Census advisory committees, plus risks if Congress funds agencies with a long continuing resolution. GAO’s past work shows delays and budget uncertainty hurt 2020 testing and IT planning—lessons the Bureau needs for 2030. For federal staff, the message is that planning windows and governance structures matter. Government Executive
Legal Insight:
When budgets are tight or rules change, documentation provides protection. Keep written taskers, testing plans, and approvals for schedule changes; note funding limits under any CR (continuing resolution). If you’re asked to shift scope or messaging, get the statutory basis and approvals in writing. Program managers should track test milestones and privacy/PII controls—gaps can trigger audits later.
3. SSA Whistleblower: DOGE Created Risky Cloud Copy of Social Security Data
SSA’s chief data officer filed a whistleblower disclosure alleging Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) officials stood up a live, cloud-based copy of SSA’s full dataset without proper security or oversight. SSA said it is not aware of any compromise and that sensitive data are held in secure environments, while litigation and oversight continue. The complaint asks Congress and OSC to investigate. The episode highlights how fast data moves—and how fast controls must follow. Federal News Network
Legal Insight:
If you see potential PII (personally identifiable information) risk, use your agency’s incident channels immediately and do not move data yourself. Save emails, approvals, and screenshots that show who authorized access. Whistleblowers who report waste, fraud, abuse, or safety risks through protected channels (OSC, IG, Congress) have anti-retaliation rights—keep a clean paper trail of what you reported and when.
Mindful Moment of the Day:
Single-Task Sprint
For just 25 minutes today, try deep single-tasking. Choose one job—drafting a memo, reading a decision—and turn off all notifications. Each time your mind wanders, gently bring it back. This isn’t just a productivity hack—it’s mindfulness in action. Research confirms that focused attention not only gets more done, but it deepens the quality of thought—essential for legal strategy.
Legal Tip of the Day:
Whistleblower Laws Protect You—Even If You Do Not Call Yourself One
If you report misconduct like waste, fraud, abuse, or violations of law, you may be protected as a whistleblower—even if you never use that word. The law shields federal employees from retaliation when they speak up about wrongdoing through proper channels. This could mean disclosing issues to your supervisor, the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), or even Congress. Retaliation can take many forms—sudden poor performance reviews, denied promotions, or being iced out of meetings. If you're concerned that blowback may be tied to your disclosure, do not wait—talk to someone who understands federal whistleblower protections.
Important Announcement: New RIF Appeal Resources Now Available
Before we dive into today's briefing, we want to quickly highlight new resources we've created specifically for federal employees facing Reduction-in-Force (RIF) actions. Given the challenging situation many federal workers now face, we've developed three tailored options to help you successfully appeal your RIF before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB):
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DIY Online Course (Bronze Level): Step-by-step video modules, proven templates, and strategic guidance to help you confidently file your own MSPB appeal. $199.
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DIY Course + One-on-One Strategy Sessions (Silver Level): After enrolling in the DIY course, schedule private strategy sessions ($350/hour, up to three sessions) to personalize the course materials to your specific case.
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We designed these solutions to empower you—regardless of your budget or your case's complexity. Take action today to protect your federal career and future.
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Need Personalized Advice?
A federal job moves fast—and so do the deadlines to fight discrimination, retaliation, potential discipline, or a removal. If you are interested in seeing if we can help you, one short, confidential call with Southworth PC might be able to help. The consultation is free, you speak with an attorney (not a screener), and our hybrid-retainer model caps your up-front costs until we win or settle.
We litigate before the EEOC, MSPB, and OSC nationwide, drawing on decades of inside knowledge of agency tactics. Protect your rights before the next deadline closes.
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Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Southworth PC provides these insights to help federal employees better understand their rights and navigate workplace developments, but every situation is unique. If you are facing a specific employment issue, you should consult a qualified attorney to discuss the facts of your case. While we aim to ensure the accuracy of legal interpretations at the time of publication, changes in law or policy may affect how the information applies to your circumstances. We’re proud to stand with federal employees—and we’re here when it matters most.
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