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You Know It Matters When John Oliver Says It
You don't have to be a public administration/good government expert to know what Schedule F is any longer! John Oliver fans got a close-up look at it last week when This Week Tonight focused on this dormant Trump-era policy and other ideas a second administration will propose in 2025—maybe even on "Day 1."
Those of us in public administration and public policy who were fearful of this policy when it was first enacted in Fall 2020 before that election cycle (and eliminated shortly after President Biden was sworn in) never lost sight of it. In fact, the Biden administration's Office of Personnel Management spent two and a half years working on a rule to more specifically define how government employees are classified (and how they may be eliminated from their jobs) to make it harder for a future administration to enact it second time. (Those rules went into effect just last month.)
But it also has percolated through public policy think tanks since the January 2021 transition, and the Heritage Foundation has now developed Project 2025, including a significant section on Schedule F, fine-tuning it for a successful second try. (If you don't know what Project 2025 is, start reading it now—in small chunks as it's a 900-page document—and bring yourself up to speed.)
Public administration and policy experts and scholars will tell you Schedule F is bad policy, and not because all government employees are excellent and should be in their jobs forever. Rather, it is bad policy because it uses a hatchet to do a job for which you need a good pair of scissors—and maybe several other tools to address the real problems within federal government hiring, which have nothing to do with a loyalty test. In fact, a group of good governance experts and former senior officials have banded together to develop an alternative to Schedule F, pushing a middle ground alternative with Congress in the hopes that action can be taken before this fall's elections, thus minimizing the need for immediate action from the executive branch. (You can read more from them here.)
If revitalizing Schedule F hasn't been concerning enough, recent headlines have reported that the Heritage Foundation is providing grant money to the American Accountability Foundation to generate a list of key, high-ranking government employees who could—in theory—be eliminated immediately when the next Republican president takes office, starting with the Department of Homeland Security. Foundation employees are culling social media feeds, speeches, commentary and personal backgrounds to determine who to place on the list. The goal is to publish the list on a website in the coming weeks to help future administrations know who may be standing in their way and be "ripe for scrutiny, reclassifications, reassignments or firings."
We and other good governance groups are keeping a close eye on these developments and will continue to provide updates in this forum and others. We highly recommend those reading this publication follow along and share widely with your peers and colleagues. A recent poll showed the average voter doesn't know what Project 2025 is (yet), but any presidential administration that uses it as a blueprint will fundamentally reset how public administration and public policy works for our citizens.
E-Learning at Your Fingertips
ASPA staff work tirelessly to keep your skills up to date and the information flowing all year long through our e-learning program. Visit our website to see more details about upcoming KeepingCurrent, BookTalk and Student and New Professional series programming.
KeepingCurrent: Celebrating PRIDE in Public Service and Addressing Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities
June 27 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT
Sponsored by ASPA's LGBT Advocacy Alliance and Section on Democracy and Social Justice
Presenters:
Catherine Cullen, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ft. Lauderdale
Jose Luis Irizarry, Moderator, Assistant Professor, North Carolina Central University
Lydia Lavelle, Professor of Law, North Carolina Central University School of Law
Seth Meyer, Assistant Professor, Bridgewater State University
Claire Mostel, Discussant, Adjunct Professor, Park University and Barry University
This webinar will allow everyone in the public service community to celebrate PRIDE while also addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community. Students, faculty and practitioners from all sectors serving the public and fighting for social equity and civil rights for all are encouraged to join our celebration and share their voice so that we can speak as one. (Registration will be monitored to ensure a safe space for all participants.)
BookTalk: Technology and American Democracy
July 16 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT
Sponsored by National Louis University
Presenter:
Anthony Trotta, Author
Technology's growth and proliferation in American society continuously places new demands on the U.S. government and the health of its democracy, affecting both policymaking and public administration. The book discusses how technology available in the modern era can be used by the public sector to facilitate interactions associated with both e-government and e-governance, and that such efforts can expand the participatory frameworks available to citizens interested in engaging government through emergent innovative means. Technology and American Democracy explores the underpinning democratic theories, including constitutional justifications and competing political rationales, that may guide decisionmakers as they apply information technology in governance to promote democratic principles such as transparency and accountability. The book examines the importance that tenets of deliberative democracy are present to help guide responsive, adaptive U.S. government decisionmaking and correspondingly expands on the possible dangers that may arise with overreliance on a technocratic approach being used to guide the policy path of government.
KeepingCurrent: Emotional Intelligence in PA: Mastering Strategic Communication Skills
July 18 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. EDT
Presenter:
Ashley Kent, Rocky Mountain Leadership Strategies
While emotions are an intrinsic part of the human experience, it is the ability to harness and guide them that truly defines effective leadership in governance. In an age characterized by misunderstanding, skepticism and mistrust, cultivating trust is paramount for the legitimacy of governance. Emotional intelligence fosters transparency, integrity and authenticity, whether forging bonds of trust between administrators and the public, or between your team's professional development needs. It paves the way for transformative change. Emotional intelligence allows administrators to navigate through conflict situations with empathy and understanding. It helps them recognize their own emotions as well as the emotions of others involved in the conflict. By understanding these emotions, administrators can approach conflict resolution more effectively.
From the Archives
BookTalk: Human Resource Essentials for Public Service: People, Process, Performance
Tough issues face human resource managers. With the specter of Schedule F hanging over federal jobs, the time to understand why good government requires job protections is now. And there are no easy answers for the right blend of remote versus in-person work; or how employees can find meaningfulness in their jobs; or how to forestall workplace violence; or how to ensure equitable processes. Listen to this webinar via our online archives now. (Members only)
In Memoriam: Nicholas Henry
Long-time ASPA member Nicholas Henry died this past spring. He was 80.
An ASPA member since 1970, he was active in his Chapter (first the East Georgia Chapter, then the Georgia Chapter), served on national committees—including the nominating committee and the development committee—provided valuable financial support, attended the Annual Conference regularly and spoke on numerous panels and sessions. He won the Public Administration Review (PAR) Laverne Burchfield Award and the Presidential Citation of Merit.
The 10th president of Georgia Southern, Henry transformed Georgia Southern into the fastest-growing university in the United States for seven years. In fact, his most consequential achievement was leading Georgia Southern to achieve "university" status from the Board of Regents in 1990. His tenure was marked by national and international recognition for the university. He supported efforts to establish the Smithsonian Institution and National Institutes of Health National Tick Collection at the university, which solidified its national reputation for research. His landscape plan still drives the flowers and greenery on campus and he garnered $125 million in funding for new buildings and a standard architectural style for the university.
Henry began his career at Indiana State University, moved to the University of New Mexico for a short time, served at the University of Georgia in a variety of academic roles and then moved to Arizona State University, where he was the founding director and associate professor (later full) at what is now the School of Public Affairs. He became founding dean of Arizona State's College of Public Programs, which propelled him to Georgia Southern. He was named one of Georgia's top 100 Most Influential People in 1994.
Henry was the author of 12 books and a prolific journal author. In addition to being an ASPA member, he was a fellow of the National Academy for Public Administration and national president of Pi Alpha Alpha.
You can read Georgia Southern's tribute to Henry here.
In Memoriam: Sandy Matava
Sandy Matava of Suffolk University passed away earlier this spring. She had served within government and nonprofit communities and at Suffolk University, where she was the director of the Moakley Center for Public Management, finally retiring at the age of 82.
An ASPA member for several years at the end of her career, she received the National Public Service Award in 2021 for her well-regarded career, including training public leaders.
A motivated public servant and humanitarian, Matava improved access to services for people facing illness, those living with disability and at-risk youth throughout her career in government. She then went on to teach others to do the same in her 31 years as a Suffolk professor and administrator. She and her lifetime partner, William Brouillard, established Suffolk University's SAM's Fund for Public Service in 2014 “to encourage and to recognize the importance of serving in the public and nonprofit sectors.” Named after Sandy, SAM’s Fund for Public Service provides awards to Suffolk alumni who work in public service, and to Suffolk faculty teaching courses on the topic of social responsibility.
Matava's passion and real-world experience made her a popular and practical instructor. In 1975, she served as commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. She also served at the Department of Social Services (now known as the Department of Children and Families) where she was deputy commissioner, and was later appointed to commissioner of the department, where she served until 1991.
As director of the Moakley Center at Suffolk University, Matava established lasting partnerships between the university and community organizations such as the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at UMass Chan Medical School. She also taught in the Sawyer Business School and served as a wise, generous and funny mentor to the many students and faculty members who came to her seeking advice.
Those wishing to honor Matava’s life are asked to make a contribution in her memory to the Suffolk University MPA Excellence Fund. Read her obituary here and a tribute from Suffolk University here.
Crafty Hackers: Is it All About the Money? (Yes!)
Ransomware attacks (also known as hacks and sometimes phishing schemes) continue to happen every day, via all types of digital media. While IT professionals are getting better at identifying them before they take over public entities, we all are vulnerable, especially us "little guys." Take time now to brush up on your internet safety protocol and make sure you know how to protect yourself from digital schemes of all kinds.
Did you expect that email asking you to send that person money? If not, call them to confirm before you pass along your bank account details. Do most emails use multiple fonts (unless they're from your great-Aunt Alma who has never mastered the art of the computer)? No—so double-check before you click that link! Should the email address printed in the message match the address that opens up when you click on it? Yes, so if they're not the same, don't send to it! And, yes, you can be scammed via text so make sure that message from Amazon about a free TV is real before you sign up! In short: Be careful and skeptical.
We all have fallen victim to hacks, spambots, phishing and more at some point. Don't let them fool you again! Instead, check those suspicious messages and, when in doubt, always call the "sender" to confirm before you provide your bank account to claim $1 million from a stranger!
New Member Orientation Recording Available
ASPA held a New Member Orientation several weeks ago; the recording is available on our website for those who missed it. This hour-long tutorial included:
- A brief history of ASPA and a look at who our members are and where you fit into the mix
- The member-exclusive resources you can access at any time
- An overview of the ASPA website so you know where everything lives
- Ways to network and get involved throughout the organization
- Chapter and Section highlights
- Upcoming webinars and other events on the calendar
Access the recording any time. We will hold our next live orientation toward the end of the year.
ASPA Members: Routledge Discounts Available!
Summer means starting reading lists and adding new books to your collection! If you find yourself interested in something from the Routledge catalog, remember that ASPA members receive a 30 percent discount off purchases.
Visit our website for more information about ASPA's partnership with Routledge and to access your code, useable when you check out from the Routledge site. And, remember to look at the ASPA book series, partnering with authors for all things "public administration." From HR to government performance to local government and beyond, the list of titles has something for everyone!
Happy reading!
Miami-Dade County Seeking Registered Voters to Serve as Poll Workers in the Community
With the upcoming elections being so important this year, the Miami-Dade County Elections Department is looking to expand its team to serve voters on Election Day! If you know someone with great customer service skills who is interested in participating in the democratic process, encourage them to be a poll worker.
- Training is provided
- It’s a great way to work alongside neighbors to serve the community
- It’s a paid opportunity; and
- If a student, community service hours are provided!
Learn more about becoming a poll worker. Sign up today. It’s easy!
OMB-OIRA Wants to Hear from You!
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is looking to engage with more of the public about the rulemaking process. Federal regulations set the rules of the road that affect our lives in myriad ways—from providing access to affordable medicine to reducing children’s exposure to harmful toxins. A critical part of designing regulations that work is hearing from the public. Greater public participation leads to a more responsive and effective Federal Government that better addresses the needs of the American people. OMB's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) is taking new steps to make it easier for interested members of the public to voice their views in the federal rulemaking process. As a part of this effort, OIRA is reaching out to educational institutions that teach undergraduate and graduate students about public policy and public administration to offer an exciting learning opportunity.
In a one-hour seminar this fall, OIRA will provide an overview demystifying their office and the federal rulemaking process, illustrate success with case studies of regulations that have been improved through public comment, provide tips on how to write an effective comment and answer your questions. OIRA is currently targeting the first round of engagement for fall semester 2024.
ASPA held a webinar on this topic this spring. If you are interested in learning more from OIRA, please contact [email protected]. All formal requests for engagement will need to go through standard agency internal clearance process and availability cannot be confirmed until that process is complete.
Public Administration Today Highlight
Public Administration Today features white papers, research and blogs from across the profession. If you're interested in more—especially your own curated news feed in your inbox every week—visit the website, create an account and check off your interest areas so you can stay up to date about the latest research being released!
Local Governments Must Act Quickly to Navigate AI Disruption
Via StateTech Magazine: Extraordinary disruptions are coming to public and private sector jobs in the near future. Local government CIOs must prepare for the sweeping change to be brought by generative artificial intelligence.
Tips, Resources and the Fun Stuff
Going Plastic-Free Is Nearly Impossible. These People Are Trying Anyway.
The global trend of “Plastic Free July” offers ideas on how to cut back on plastic use at home.
Getting Rid of Poison Ivy Is a Serious Matter. What You Should and Shouldn’t Do
Botanically known as toxicodendron radicans, poison ivy contains oily chemical compounds called urushiols in its leaves, stems and roots. According to the American Skin Association, about 85 percent of the U.S. population is allergic to urushiols, with roughly 10 percent to 15 percent of those considered “highly allergic.”
In the News
Today's headlines contain plenty of news coverage of some of our nation's most pressing public administration challenges. ASPA has curated some of the most important stories from recent weeks. If you have not seen these yet, make sure you read them now!
Infrastructure
Public Finance
Public Service
Social Equity
Members in the News
Ford School Welcomes Senior Scholars Pamela Herd and Donald Moynihan
The Great Salt Lake City Tax Tradeoff
By Katherine Barrett and Richard Greene
College of Charleston Riley Center Designs a Better Future
ASPA Past President Kendra Stewart directs the center.
Tell Me Something Good...
To Send Off His Fellow Graduates, He Wrote 180 Personalized Notes
Senior class president Mason Macuch was near the end of his speech at his high school’s graduation ceremony when he paused and asked his classmates to look under their seats. “We have studied together, laughed together and grown together, and tomorrow all of that changes,” Macuch told 180 classmates at Apponequet Regional High School’s commencement this month. “I want you to reach under your chairs, where you’ll find a personal note that I’ve written for each of you as a way to say one final goodbye.” Then he added, “Thank you for making these years what we will soon call the good old days.”
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Around Public Administration
Here are the most recent updates from across the profession. Did we miss you? Send us your news and we'll include it in the next round!
Upcoming Events:
Calls for proposals, calls for nominations and other updates:
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SECoPA Call for Proposals
The 2024 SECoPA will take place September 18-21 in Memphis at the University of Memphis. The theme will be "Transforming Public and Nonprofit Governance: Shaping Sustainable Communities for Tomorrow," highlighting the need for innovative approaches in designing, implementing and evaluating public and nonprofit programs to address the complex challenges of our rapidly changing world. It calls for the exploration of strategies that promote sustainable development, foster social and ecological well-being, and ensure effective governance for the benefit of present and future generations. The conference aims to encourage participants to share research, insights, and best practices that contribute to the transformation of public and nonprofit governance systems and the creation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities. The deadline has passed but conference organizers are still seeking proposals for a few tracks. Click here for more information.
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ABFM Awards Call for Nominations
The Association for Budgeting and Financial Management (ABFM) has opened its Call for Nominations for its annual awards program. Awards include the Curro Student Paper, Wildavsky, Howard, Posner, Best Book and Scholarly Engagement awards. All nominations are due June 28. Click here for more information.
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PPMR Special Issue Call for Proposals
Public Performance Management and Review (PPMR) is seeking proposals for a special issue: "Having our cake and eating it too: Exploring the Links between Fairness and Performance." Editors are Kaifeng Yang (Rutgers University—Newark) and Ellen Rubin (SUNY Albany). Can government operate in a manner that exhibits both high procedural and distributive fairness and high performance? We often present fairness and performance as a tradeoff: Fair procedures and inclusion take time and may not result in the most streamlined or cost efficient "solutions" but they may serve to build buy-in and increase the degree to which government decisions are viewed as legitimate.
The goal of this special issue is to empirically evaluate the relationship between fairness and performance. We welcome papers for this special issue exploring the fairness-performance connection that are empirical or theory-building, and quantitative or qualitative. The conception of fairness should be theoretically informed, and explorations at the micro-, meso-, or macro-level are welcome. Proposals are due August 1. Contact the editors for more information.
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NECoPA Call for Proposals
The 2024 Northeast Conference on Public Administration (NECoPA) will be NECoPA’s 15th year of bringing together scholars and practitioners from the northeast region, the United States and internationally. Taking place in person at Pace University in Manhattan, this year's theme is "Building a Flexible Public Service through Innovation and Collaboration." The concept recognizes the advancements in digital technology as well as the intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaborations in addressing wicked public service problems while advocating for and protecting our democracy. Topic areas include but are not limited to: innovation and technology in public service; financial management and budgeting; diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in public service; public service education; and performance management and program evaluation. Proposals will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. All proposals are due by August 19, 2024. Click here for more information.
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Call for Papers: Public Works Management and Policy
Public Works Management and Policy (PWMP) seeks novel manuscripts that connect core public administration theory (including policy and management) with modern challenges in the realm of public works. This includes relevant research from all subfields of public administration, including budgeting and finance, human resource management, performance management, policy change, policy analysis and so on, provided that it 1) connects to a core body of public administration or policy theory, and 2) is aligned substantively with the public works management focus of the journal. Recent developments in technology and governance lead to a broadening interpretation of public works management that includes traditional, novel and hybrid foci. For example, papers might examine core public management or policy challenges surrounding: transportation infrastructure, including: roads, bridges, ports, airports, rail, intermodal shipping, parks and recreation and others; utilities, including: water, sewer, waste management, telephone, cellular and internet availability and connectivity; economic development, including: industrial parks, urban redevelopment such as tax increment finance districts, or higher education capacity building; capital construction projects such as schools, libraries, prisons and jails, government offices and military installations. Each of these topics is germane to PWMP’s focus, and when addressing core conceptual questions, is welcome to be submitted for consideration. Articles we are especially interested in publishing are those that address salient and timely questions about current and emerging problems, those that examine new and innovative forms of infrastructure and their use, adaptations of existing infrastructure to new uses, and the integration of infrastructure with the softer side of government—how it is used and how it affects governance for the better or for the worse. Click here for more information.
PA TIMES Online
Here's a selection of current pieces on PA TIMES Online, covering a range of issues within the profession. We accept individual articles on a rolling basis; if you have a piece you think would fit our publication, submit it to [email protected] for consideration. (Please review our submission guidelines in advance!)
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