The SEANC View

State Budget Debate Moves to the House

With the legislature on spring break, we discuss the ongoing budget debate and the implications of stagnant state salaries in comparison to the private sector.
The episode delves into the misconceptions around state government staffing levels, addressing the perceived 'bloat' and the real issues of understaffing and underfunding, particularly highlighting sectors like mental health and corrections. Dissecting the budget plans, the conversation identifies areas facing cuts while evaluating positions crucial to sustaining public welfare and efficient government operation.
Furthermore, the team explores the political and social dimensions influencing legislative and budgetary decisions, balancing the need for a pragmatic approach while advocating for adequate representation and fair compensation for state employees.

Unpacking the Senate's Budget Proposal: Key Highlights and Reactions

This week's episode of the SEANC View Podcast discusses the newly released Senate budget proposal and its implications for state employees and retirees in North Carolina. The discussion covers proposed salary raises, bonuses, and the omission of retirees.
The episode also delves into the budget proposal establishing the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency within the State Auditor's Office, and the implications of eliminating vacant state jobs. Our hosts express concerns about the efficiency of these measures amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty.
Additionally, the team explores the bipartisan reactions on social media, especially concerning the inclusion of cryptocurrency investments in the pension fund budget.

Budget debate heats up with Senate's proposal

This episode highlights the anticipated Senate budget proposal, expected to be announced next week, and includes the controversial DAVE Act that empowers the State Auditor to recommend the elimination of state agencies and vacant positions.
We also explore the concerns regarding SHRA protections and their potential erosion in a separate bill, as well as the broader implications for state employees. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the legislative processes shaping North Carolina’s public sector.

Demystifying Government Efficiency

This week, we discuss the controversial topic of government efficiency initiatives, including the DAVE Act, which aims to evaluate government positions and agencies for potential cuts using artificial intelligence. We critically explore the implications of these initiatives on state employees, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both efficiency and employee welfare.
Touching on the broader political landscape, the podcast examines the proposed DEI bill and its impact on diversity policies within state agencies. The hosts highlight public perception challenges towards state employees and stress the importance of thorough evaluation and dialogue before implementing such reforms.

The DAVE Act and Perception of Public Employees

Senate Bill 474, filed Monday by Senate Leader Phil Berger, would create a Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency within State Auditor Dave Boliek’s office. By the end of the year, the division would produce a report identifying which state agencies and positions should be dissolved. The N.C. House has also set up a committee tasked with a similar focus.
Our team discussed the DAVE Act on this week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast. We also updated the state budget debate and discussed the perception of public employees.

Governor Stein's budget leaves employees, retirees behind

Governor Josh Stein released his state budget proposal on Wednesday. It fell short for state employees, retirees, and taxpayers. Stein proposed a 2% pay raise and bonuses for state employees and retirees while not fully funding the state retirement system.
In this episode, we break down the plan’s potential impacts and long-term implications on the budget debate. We also explore the broader economic context, addressing concerns over the underfunded retirement system, the potential privatization of certain state functions, and the challenges of maintaining public services amidst staff shortages.

Governor Stein's State of the State Address

In this episode of the SEANC View podcast, host Jonathan Owens is joined by Suzanne Beasley, Ardis Watkins, and Sam Cline to discuss Governor Josh Stein's recent State of the State address. State employees and retirees were largely absent from the address, despite the ongoing crisis of high vacancy rates within state agencies and the resultant pressure on remaining employees.
The team also touches on the legislature's oversight of public service employees, retention issues, and the economic impact on the state workforce. They highlight the importance of recognizing public employees' contributions, especially those who continue to work under challenging conditions.
President Kirk Montgomery and Immediate Past President Martha Fowler also join for a conversation on celebrating black leaders and institutions in state government for Black History Month, as well as their time in SEANC leadership.
We close with a discussion of the 5-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 lockdown.

DOGE efforts in North Carolina with Rep. John Torbett

Rep. John Torbett joined this week's edition of the SEANC View Podcast to discuss the House Select Committee on Government Efficiency work, which he co-chairs with Rep. Keith Kidwell. Torbett discusses in length the committee's aims, how it compares to the national DOGE effort led by Elon Musk, and the role SEANC and state employees will play in its work.
Before the interview, the SEANC team discusses this week's House Commerce and Economic Development Committee meetings concerning a bill to invest 10% of the state pension plan in Bitcoin. SEANC lobbyist Flint Benson spoke out against the bill in the committee, telling members that Bitcoin is too volatile to risk state employees' retirement security. We also discuss the State Health Plan's expected premium increase ahead of Friday's meeting.

NC Legislature takes aim at DEI Initiatives

This week, a bill filed in the House targets "DEI Initiatives" in state government without clarifying what that means. State Treasurer Brad Briner, State Auditor Dave Boliek, and Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley have made similar statements. In this week's edition of the SEANC View Podcast, we discuss how these statements might affect state workers.
We talk about the State Health Plan Board of Trustees meeting planned for next week, at which the board will consider premium increases for members and their families. We also discuss state revenue projections and DOGE efforts at the legislature.

Snow Kidding: It's Fiscal Forecast Time!

On this week's edition of the SEANC View Podcast, we discuss these projections and the creation of a Select Committee on Government Efficiency to bring the Trump Administration's "DOGE" effort to North Carolina. We also discuss the proposed state cookie, winter weather, and more!