U.S. OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL ANNOUNCES IMPROVED
WEB-SITE AND NEW INTERNET ADDRESS: www.osc.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2/1/99
CONTACT: JANE MCFARLAND
(202) 653-7984      

    The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) today announced the launch of an improved web-site, and a new Internet address: www.osc.gov.

    New features include easier navigation throughout the site, as well as better access to information on the federal statutes that OSC enforces. For the first time, visitors to the site will have access to sample advisory opinions interpreting Hatch Act restrictions on political activity, and may download OSC forms and publications directly from the site. A library of OSC press releases is also available, as well as biographical information on senior OSC staff.

    Special Counsel Elaine Kaplan said she “was delighted to announce the improved web-site, and the new address.” “Our new address---www.osc.gov—is easy to remember,” she said, “and the new information available on the home page should make it much easier for federal employees and managers, and other interested members of the public, to learn about OSC and the laws we enforce.”

    The U.S. Office of Special Counsel provides an independent avenue to protect merit systems principles in federal employment. OSC receives, investigates and prosecutes before the Merit Systems Protection Board, charges concerning the commission of prohibited personnel practices, with priority given to protecting whistleblowers. In addition, OSC provides a secure channel for federal employees who possess information regarding legal violations, gross mismanagement, fraud, waste and abuse, as well as enforcing Hatch Act restrictions on political activity by federal and state employees.

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