The SEANC View

A conversation with Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey

This week, the SEANC team welcomes special guest N.C. Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey for a discussion on the state budget, proposed job cuts at his office, and other topics.
Commissioner Causey shares insights into the role of the Department of Insurance and highlights the importance of public safety during the summer, especially concerning fireworks and travel.
We also discuss the impact of recent federal legislation on the state budget and the modernization of the hiring practices for prospective state employees.

Tackling the State Health Plan's Challenges: An In-depth Interview with Thomas Friedman

This week, we are joined by State Health Plan Executive Administrator Thomas Friedman for an in-depth look at the challenges facing the Plan and its 750,000-plus members.
We discuss the ongoing negotiations with CVS Caremark and the expected premium increases for next year.  Also, we touch on the pressing issues of high healthcare costs and the need for transparency, and Friedman shares the plan's strategies to make healthcare more affordable for state employees and retirees.

Budget Delays and State Employee Protections

In this episode of the SEANC View podcast, we discuss the ongoing state budget negotiations and the critical issues facing state employees, including delayed raises and potential mini budgets. We also discuss changes to the SHRA Protections bill.
We also explore the financial pressures on the University of North Carolina system, detailing administrative changes and personnel challenges within UNC-Chapel Hill.
Finally, we take a light-hearted turn, sharing stories from the NC Zoo, including a special feature on Annie, the adorable bison with allergies, and fond memories of visiting the zoo.

Budget negotiations may stretch beyond July 1 deadline

With the House and Senate still at odds over their tax plans, a new state budget likely won't be passed in time for the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. This week, the SEANC team discusses the implications of lawmakers leaving Raleigh at the end of the month without a deal in place.
State functions and paychecks will continue without a new budget, but proposed raises will not be added until a deal is reached. House Speaker Destin Hall says they are committed to promptly getting state employees and teachers raises, so he’s also keeping that in mind.
We also look at the ongoing dispute between the State Health Plan and CVS Caremark.

DID YOU KNOW? State Retirees Deserve Better

In this Did You Know episode, SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins delves into the challenges faced by retirees in North Carolina, part of the Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS), one of the largest in the country. Despite its size and strong asset-to-liability ratios, the retirement benefits lag behind the national average, impacting the financial well-being of those who served the state. We explore the reasons behind the shortfall and why it's crucial for the state to prioritize its retirees, who have dedicated their careers to public service.
Listen to understand the significance of the 19-click difference in the retirement formula compared to the national average and how it's costing retirees up to 10% in monthly benefits. Additionally, learn about the lack of cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that further deepen the gap.
Discover how you can advocate for change and support your local legislators in addressing this critical issue to ensure that the people who have long served the community receive the retirement benefits they deserve.

Budget Battles Continue at NCGA

In this edition, host Jonathan Owens, along with Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley, and Sam Cline, dive into the ongoing budget discussions happening behind closed doors at the North Carolina legislature. Will the budget be wrapped up on time before the fiscal deadline? We explore the possibilities and the nuances involved in this critical process.
Meanwhile, we take a fascinating detour into the world of generational insights as we recap the recent Gen Z and millennial-focused episode, highlighting how these young listeners are shaping conversations around public service.
Tune in to learn about the evolving perceptions of public service careers, the challenges and rewards they bring, and why they matter more than ever in today's world.

SEANC Voices: Kirk Montgomery on Leadership and Legislation

Join us for the premiere episode of our new series, SEANC Voices, where we delve into the dynamic world of state employee advocacy. In this episode, we sit down with Kirk Montgomery, the President of SEANC, to discuss his experiences navigating the political landscape as both a state and local government employee.
President Montgomery shares insights from his tenure, discusses the importance of legal protections for state workers, and highlights the urgent need for younger generations to step forward and lead. This conversation offers a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities facing the organization and its members.
Whether you're a state employee, retiree, or someone interested in organizational leadership, this episode contains enlightening perspectives and forward-thinking strategies. Don't miss this engaging discussion on standing strong for state employees' rights and the future of SEANC.

Gen Z Takes Over: Navigating North Carolina Politics and Legislation

In this episode of the Scenic View podcast, our Gen Z hosts dive deep into the current political landscape affecting North Carolina. Join Samantha Cline, Dontravis Williams, Adam Winebarger, Tianna Alberts, and special guest Alexandra Kaulback as they discuss the implications of recent legislative sessions, specifically House Bill 549. Gain insights into state employees' challenges from proposed changes to human resources protections and the potential impact of increased powers for the state auditor.
Our hosts also explore the broader political climate for Gen Z and younger millennials, discussing the generational divide, the influence of social media on political discourse, and how their generation can foster greater political engagement. The episode ends with a light-hearted segment on underrated skills, questioning what every individual should bring to the table in today's fast-paced world.

Budget Battles and Job Cuts: What's Next for State Employees?

In this episode, we discuss the passage of the House budget proposal and the impact of proposed job cuts. Each agency faces the challenge of meeting a 20% reduction in positions, raising concerns about maintaining service levels, particularly in critical areas like prisons and health facilities.
Amidst financial pressures, the House proposal's implications for state employees and retirees are analyzed. The team critiques the budget's approach to vacancies, pay raises, and bonuses compared to previous Senate proposals. They highlight the disconnect between political decisions and their real-world impacts on government workers and public services, raising questions about priorities and resource allocation.
The episode provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and future steps for state employees as the state navigates its financial landscape.

DID YOU KNOW? Crisis in NC Prisons

In this episode, Ardis Watkins from the State Employees Association of North Carolina shines a light on a critical issue affecting the state's correctional officers: insufficient starting salaries. Highlighted by the tragic 2017 Pasquotank Correctional escape and subsequent convictions for the murder of four staff members, the importance of adequate staffing and compensation becomes painfully clear.
While neighboring states offer starting salaries between $43,000 to $51,000, North Carolina lags behind at just $37,621. This salary discrepancy places the state among the lowest in the nation, raising concerns about safety and staff retention in its prisons. With efforts now extending to hiring 18-year-olds and part-time workers, the urgency for increased pay is underscored, illustrating that the situation is not just critical, but potentially deadly.