The SEANC View

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.

Weight loss drug coverage with Dr. Daniel Knecht of CVS Caremark

The North Carolina State Health Plan will end coverage of GLP-1 drug for weight loss drugs on April 1. In this episode of the SEANC View Podcast, hosts Jonathan Owens and Ardis Watkins, in conversation with Dr. Daniel Knecht from CVS Caremark, navigate the convoluted issues concerning obesity-related drugs, particularly GLP-1 drugs, and their high costs.
The discussion expands to encapsulate how these innovative but hefty-priced drugs impact the financial ecosystem of healthcare and are a burden on the national economy, affecting millions of Americans who are grappling with obesity. Through a comparative analysis of drug pricing in the United States and Europe, industry professionals aim to unravel the pricing strategies, market dynamics, and economic modeling in the pharmaceutical sector.
A notable focus is on the role of pharmacy benefits managers like CVS Caremark who are continuously engaged in price negotiations with drug manufacturers. The episode further scrutinizes government-run healthcare systems, the appealing lower drug prices they offer, and the concept of socialized medicine. In light of these issues, the importance of forcing hard negotiations with drug companies and the necessity of regulatory measures to control escalating drug prices are highlighted.

DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley on the challenges facing the department and employees

We're joined this week by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley and Chief Deputy Secretary Mark Benton for a deep dive into the triumphs and pressures facing the agency and its 18,000 employees.
The in-depth discussion sheds light on various topics — managing the immense pressures on state psychiatric hospitals, the systemic reliance on DHHS facilities, job vacancies and the challenges of hiring, the interaction between HHS and the criminal justice process, making mental health services accessible, and the crucial role played by state employees. We also take a look back at the COVID-19 pandemic, which began to pick up steam four years ago this week. 
Join us for this enlightening podcast episode that critically assesses North Carolina's healthcare policies, their implications, and the journey ahead.

North Carolina Post-Primary Election Reaction

SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins and Communications Director Jonathan Owens take a deep dive into the results of Tuesday's Primary Election in North Carolina, including some unexpected outcomes and the implications all the races have on state employees.
We react to Nikki Haley's departure from the Republican presidential primary, opening the floor for a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Then, we take a look at the state gubernatorial election, which will pit Attorney General Josh Stein against Lt. Governor Mark Robinson.
We also explore whether the "SEANC View podcast bounce" led to Wesley Harris's success in the nomination for State Treasurer, as well as some shocking upsets in Council of State and legislative races.

Privatization rumors at DMV; Election 2024 heating up

In this episode, SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins and Communications Director Jon Owens are joined by Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley to discuss possible efforts to privatize the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles, the upcoming primary election, and more.
Dale Folwell received more votes than Donald Trump, Josh Stein, and Mark Robinson in statewide general elections in 2020. He also beat Trump and Stein in 2016. So why isn't he the frontrunner for the GOP nomination for Governor? We tackled that question and discussed our interview with State Treasurer candidate Wesley Harris.
Plus, a few fun topics are thrown in there.

ELECTION 2024: State Treasurer Candidate Wesley Harris

In this special election episode of the SEANC View Podcast, hosts Jonathan Owens and Ardis Watkins sit down with Rep. Wesley Harris, a Democrat who has been endorsed by EMPAC for the office of State Treasurer. Harris shares his views on the state's finances, the state treasurer's office's critical role in the lives of state employees and retirees, and his vision and strategy if elected.
The state treasurer's office is responsible for managing the retirement system and the State Health Plan, both of which greatly impact state employee families. Harris speaks about the similarities and differences between his approach and that of current State Treasurer Dale Folwell. 
Early voting has begun in North Carolina for the March 5 Primary.
 

ELECTION 2024: Dale Folwell discusses his run for Governor

State Treasurer Dale Folwell joins a special Election 2024 episode to discuss his run for governor. SEANC Communications Director Jonathan Owens and Executive Director Ardis Watkins discuss his efforts for state employees and retirees as Treasurer and his unparalleled focus on pension and State Health Plan transparency.
Folwell, who has been endorsed by EMPAC, SEANC's political action committee, for governor, shares his vision for North Carolina, touching on his approach to leadership — one grounded in conservatism, common sense, humility, and ethical decision-making. He contrasts his own style with Lt. Governor Mark Robinson and outlines his initiative to restore customer service culture within the state government.
 

President Kirk Montgomery talks COVID data, Bucee's, and the future of SEANC

In this episode, Executive Director Ardis Watkins and Communications Director Jonathan Owens sit down with SEANC President Kirk Montgomery to discuss his career in Information Technology and his vision for the future of the organization.
Kirk details his career at UNC-Chapel Hill, the State Lab, and his current role as IT Director for the city of Mebane. He gives insight into how public IT infrastructure revolutionizes government operations, from his experiences working for the State Lab at the outbreak of COVID-19 to keeping his community members informed and engaged in the debate over a new Bucee's coming to town. Learn about the journey and dedication of SEANC's current president, his vision for engaging more young people in public service, and the crucial role of SEANC in enhancing the welfare of state employees.
We also discuss early voting for the March 5 primary, the ongoing weight-loss drug debate, and the Super Bowl.

A Correctional Captain's Perspective on the Vacancy Crisis

In this episode, SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins and Communications Director Jon Owens sit down with First Vice President Wendell Powell, a Captain at Harnett Correctional Institution. Powell delves deep into an urgent issue plaguing the North Carolina prison system - the ongoing correctional staff shortage. 
Wendell talks about the changes he's seen in his 20+ years in corrections, from his early days having a team of 40 officers to the present dire scenario where less than ten officers are tasked with managing hundreds of inmates every day. Through this episode, Wendell highlights the grave impact of staff shortages, and emphasizes how detrimental they are to the primary rehabilitation missions of the prison.
The episode also underscores the importance of respect in uplifting staff morale while pointing to the risks of privatization. Lastly, we touch upon the dire need to address the mental health of correctional officers, shedding light on the significance of individual roles in ensuring a smoothly functioning system. 
We end with a little Taylor Swift Grammy talk and Ardis professes her love for Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car."