Weekly Roundup: February 8 – 12, 2016

FY2017 Budget – Open Data Format. The FY2017 budget was released in two formats this year. The traditional PDF download and for the first time, a separate site, which offers downloadable data and some high-level interactive ability to view the budget graphically by program area or agency. . . . .In addition, Government Executive highlights eleven “major reforms” in the budget, most of which it judges to be achievable. . . . Well, maybe not granting the president the authority to reorganize federal agencies on his own. DHS Proposes New Appropriations Structure. Federal News Radio reports that Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson is proposing a new enterprise-wide appropriations structure to better unify the Department. All Things Cyber. The President’s FY 2017 budget showcases a total of $19 billion in initiatives focused on improving the federal government’s cybersecurity posture. This would increase cybersecurity spending by 35 percent. . . . . CNN reports that President Obama wants $3.1 billion in new spending in order to retire old legacy IT systems because they aren’t secure enough. Separately, FedScoop reports that the budget proposal is only one element in a broader presidential push: “President Barack Obama announced a national cybersecurity action plan Tuesday, substantially increasing the requested amount of federal funding dedicated to cybersecurity, creating a new federal information security chief and proposing a significant increase in efforts to expand the nation’s cybersecurity workforce.” FedScoop also reports that “President Barack Obama signed an executive order Tuesday setting up a new bipartisan commission to develop long-term solutions to the nation’s cybersecurity problems.” Ten Ways to Empower Employees. Government Executive offers advice on ten ways agency leaders can empower their employees to better get their jobs done. Bonuses for Savers. According to Government Executive: “Bipartisan legislation that would allow agencies to give bonuses of up to $10,000 to federal employees who save the government money is gaining momentum. . . . The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will mark up the Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act during the panel’s next meeting, said Chairman Ron Johnson, R-Wis.” Property Management Reform Bill Advances. Government Executive reports: “The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously approved the Federal Property Management Reform Act (S. 2509) introduced by Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., to establish a framework for agencies to better manage existing space in a more cost-effective manner and help facilitate the disposal of unneeded federal property.” * * * * * The Business of Government Radio Show. What is the “What Works” Clearinghouse? How does the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance within U.S. Department of Education ensure the widespread dissemination of its research findings? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions and much more with Joy Lesnick, Acting Commissioner, NCEE within the U.S. Department of Education Broadcast Schedule: The show airs Monday at 11 a.m., and Wednesday at noon, on Federal News Radio 1500AM WFED If you can't wait, though, you can listen to (or download) this week's program and all our previous interviews at businessofgovernment.org.