Congress passed a bill that will give more federal employees the ability to telework, in a move that many say will save the government money. The legislation, long discussed in Congress, received more support last year after snow shut down much of the government. Estimates for the amount of money saved by employees who were able to telework stand at about $30 million. Some feel that the cost savings will not be as high as they think, and Republican leaders say that they will try to add amendments next year. Not all federal employees will be eligible, and they will be subject to different guidelines regarding promotions and discipline. President Obama is expected to sign the bill when it reaches him.
See "Teleworking legislation is good news for budgets and workers", Joe Davidson, The Washington Post, November 18, 2010