The SEANC View

Gen Z Takeover! Young members discuss the future of state employment

This week, we turn to the future, as Digital Communication Specialist Samantha Cline sits down with Gen Z members and staffers to discuss the future of SEANC and state employment. Joining her are Alexandra Kaulback, a Probation and Parole officer from District 10, as well as Jamison Rhodes and Hunter Shen from SEANC's IT Department and Tiana Alberts from the Insurance Department.
The group explores the importance of attracting Gen Z to join SEANC, the benefits of state employment, and how SEANC can better serve its members in the future. The team also discusses the impending mass exodus of retiring state employees and the impact on the workforce.
This episode combines personal stories, professional insights, and creative ideas, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of state employment and the role of young professionals in shaping it. 

Thunderstorms, fireworks, pay raises and the State Health Plan

On this week's episode of the SEANC View podcast, Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley, and producer Sam Cline dive into the latest happenings amidst the relaxing backdrop of a thunderstorm. They discuss the state legislature's recess and its implications for state employees, including the 3% pay raise and the budgetary issues affecting the State Health Plan.
The conversation also touches on innovative housing solutions for teachers in low-wealth counties and the broader housing crisis impacting state employees. Additionally, the team explores the potential political shifts, including rumors about Governor Roy Cooper's potential vice-presidential candidacy and the upcoming Republican National Convention featuring Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson.
Ending on a lighter note, the hosts share their varied opinions on fireworks, reflecting on personal experiences and considering their impact on pets and communities. Tune in for a mix of serious discussions and light-hearted banter!

General Assembly leaves without amending budget; Cooper touts medical debt plan

The North Carolina General Assembly left Raleigh last week without passing an amended budget with additional raises or bonuses for state employees or retirees. In this episode, SEANC Comms Director Jonathan Owens, Executive Director Ardis Watkins, and Communications Specialist Sam Cline discuss the ramifications of this and the likelihood that increases will pass in the fall.
We also cover the recent changes to the State Health Plan Board of Trustees and the implications of having fewer rank-and-file representatives on it. This leads us into a broader conversation about the rising costs of healthcare and Governor Roy Cooper's new initiative to tackle medical debt in North Carolina.
We round out the episode with a discussion on the recent presidential debate and how it is perceived by different generations. Finally, we discuss our favorite vacation spots in North Carolina in celebration of Independence Day.

Unpacking the State Budget Debate

The annual state budget dance is heating up, with both the House and Senate releasing their budget proposals.
The House approved its plan on Thursday. It includes an additional 1% raise for a total of 4% for most state employees and a 2% one-time bonus for retirees. It also includes a raise of 8% for step-pay plan employees, including Correctional Officers, Probation/Parole Officers, and Juvenile Justice employees.
The Senate’s version is much smaller – just 46 pages – and deals mostly with school voucher expansion. It includes no additional money for state employees or retirees.
SEANC Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley breaks down the process in this week’s podcast with Executive Director Ardis Watkins and Communications Director Jon Owens. 
 

Budget Talks and Gen Z's Political Perspective

This week, Samantha Cline fills in for Jon and is joined by executive director Ardis Watkins and director of government relations Suzanne Beasley. The trio discusses the latest happenings at the General Assembly, including budget talks and the potential for mini-budgets.
They delve into the ongoing challenges faced by state employees and the importance of public services, as well as the unique political landscape shaped by Gen Z. Sammi shares insights into her generation's views on politics, social media, and the importance of transparency from politicians.
In addition to legislative updates, the episode highlights SEANC's recent field activities and the positive impact of member appreciation events. The team also discusses the significance of SEANC's nonpartisan Political Action Committee (EMPAC) and its role in supporting candidates who back public employees.
The episode wraps up with a fun segment where the hosts share their dream podcast guests, including a special call for a conversation between Attorney General Josh Stein and Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening discussion!

Budget Talks, Wildlife Tales, and Legislative Updates

In this episode, Communications Director Jonathan Owens is joined by Executive Director Ardis Watkins and Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley for an update from the legislature, including the ongoing budget negotiations and the impact of recent events on legislative activities.
Our team discusses the complexities of budget allocations, vacancy rates in state government, and the importance of competitive wages for state employees and retirees.
Next, we delve into the State Health Plan, the recent changes to the Medicare Advantage plan, and a call to action for members to contact their legislators about the budget process. We also touch on recent constitutional amendment proposals and their implications.
On a lighter note, we share some amusing wildlife encounters and give a shout-out to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for their creative social media campaign "Raccoon Week."

Legislative Update: Less money, same problems

The SEANC staff provides an update on the early weeks of the General Assembly short session, including a revised revenue surplus projection and its effect on possible pay raises and bonuses for state employees and retirees.
The ongoing vacancy crisis in state government has strained services and the people who provide them. The state must invest now to tackle this issue head-on. We also discuss the plight of state retirees and the likelihood of cost-of-living adjustments this year.
If you would like to take action and contact your legislators, please visit SEANC.org/engage.

Tragic officer deaths in Charlotte, Gov. Cooper's budget, Medicare Advantage and more

Four law enforcement officers, including two members of an elite team from the Department of Adult Correction (Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott), died in an ambush while serving a warrant last Thursday in Charlotte. In this episode, we discuss the prevalent risks and sacrifices of these and other public workers daily. 
We also discuss Gov. Roy Cooper's state budget proposal, released last week, which included pay raises, retention bonuses, and a bonus for retirees. We discuss a study highlighting the disparity between the cost of living in cities like Raleigh and the salaries of state employees, and how the N.C. Senate's bill to spend nearly a half-billion dollars on private school vouchers will impact funds available for raises and COLAs if it passes the House. 
We also talk about potential DMV privatization and last week's State Health Plan and retirement systems meetings, including a major increase in premiums for the state's Medicare Advantage plans. 

Previewing the Legislative Short Session with SEANC's lobbying team

In this episode of the SEANC View Podcast, host Jonathan Owens, Executive Director Ardis Watkins, and SEANC's Government Relations team discuss the challenges and expectations in the General Assembly's short session, which began April 24. GR Director Suzanne Beasley, Political Director Flint Benson, and Lobbyist Chris Hailey, Jr., delve into the uphill battle retirees face for cost-of-living adjustments, high state hospital and prison system vacancy rates, and legislative lobbying efforts. The episode also underlines the invaluable role the SEANC Policy Platform Committee plays in representing public employees at the state level when making pivotal decisions on pay, retirement, and healthcare.
The team also discusses Ardis' recent trip to Washington with SEANC President Kirk Montgomery and his wife, Pam, to lobby members of the North Carolina Congressional delegation and Sen. Bernie Sanders on the need for more affordable prescription drug prices.
Ending on a high note, the team shares laughs over some of the most bizarre bills they've encountered in their collective years of service.

Addressing the State's Vacancy Crisis with Rep. Donna White

In this episode of the SEANC View podcast, we welcome an insightful conversation with Representative Donna White, a vocal advocate for state employees and a serving member of the North Carolina State House of Representatives. A former state employee and a registered nurse, Donna provides a unique perspective on the profound vacancy crisis currently befalling North Carolina.
Donna describes her journey as a state employee working in various health departments and how her experiences have fueled her dedication to tackling recruitment and retention issues in the state’s government workforce. Recognized as Legislator of the Year at the SEANC 2023 Convention, Donna illuminates the existing challenges and the impact of this worsening crisis on the delivery of essential public services.
We also discuss the unexpected backlash from our interview with a representative from CVS Caremark.