Freedom Caucus Member Sees Value In Reforming Civil Service Rules
In his “Federal Eye” blog, the Washington Post’s Joe Davidson examined the prospects for federal employees in the coming year. One development Davidson found notable is the openness demonstrated by North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows, a founder of the House Freedom Caucus, who was among the instigators of the 2013 partial government shutdown that lasted 16 days. Meadows, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on government operations, which overseas the federal workforce, “doesn’t sound like a hard-headed conservative” when he speaks in that role, “though conservative he certainly is.” Meadows said “part of the problem…is conservatives see government’s inefficiencies, but ‘we don’t empower the people that are closest to the problem to fix the problem.’”
Meadows believes Federal workers can be responsible for helping reign in the bureaucracy that “certain ways has gotten out of control,” and he “thinks reforming the Postal Service can be accomplished this year and he would like to start a meaningful discussion on civil service reform, though he doesn’t expect legislation on that to be approved until after the next election.” Potential reform elements “might include making federal employees’ compensation commensurate with their duties, which could mean raises for some, and addressing poor performers, which could mean quicker discipline and firings for others.”
What This Means For Small Business
It is refreshing to see a member of Congress who values small government take a constructive position in dealing with federal workers, many of whom are frustrated with inefficient government. Federal employee unions, like all public employee unions, typically act as a lobby for expanded federal government powers, bigger government, and more bureaucratic control and red tape. Reforming civil service rules and relying on federal workers to help reduce the burden of government would benefit small businesses.
Additional Reading
The NFIB previously addressed the role public employee unions can play in big government.
Note: this article is intended to keep small business owners up on the latest news. It does not necessarily represent the policy stances of NFIB.
