January 2017 Scoop

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Friday, January 6, 2017

Gov. Cooper sworn in, names agency heads, preps for GA's return A new year brings a new governor and new leadership at many of the departments where SEANC members work.

Gov. Roy Cooper was sworn in just after midnight on Jan. 1, and has spent much of his first week in office announcing his cabinet appointees. State Bureau of Investigation veteran Erik Hooks has been chosen to lead the Department of Public Safety, environmental advocate Michael Regan will lead the Department of Environmental Quality and James Trogdon will run the Department of Transportation.

The General Assembly will return on Wednesday, Jan. 11, in what promises to be a long and contentious session. As always, the next state budget – which will determine the pay, health care and

retirement for state employees and retirees in the coming year, along with job cuts and privatization efforts – will be a priority. SEANC lobbyists will also keep a close eye on any legislation that could affect state employees and retirees that may pop up.

We ask that you remain engaged during the session. SEANC members are planning to come to the Legislative Building on Wednesday to lobby on behalf of state employees and retirees on Opening Day. If you would like to take part, please contact the SEANC Central Office at 919-833-6436 for details.

In addition to weekly Legislative Updates in the Scoop, SEANC will also share information as it is available on Facebook and Twitter. We also ask that you text “SEANC” to 787753 to opt into our text alerts service.

Stay safe through winter weather!

DOT workers have already been working around the clock to prepare for the first winter storm of the season for the state. The snow is expected to start falling this afternoon and is expected to drop as much as 6-8 inches on parts of eastern North Carolina.

SEANC urges all of its members to take the proper precautions. Please read SEANC’s take on the state’s Adverse Weather Policy here. If you have to go in to work, be careful and stay alert on the road.

SEANC launches alternative payments online portal SEANC now has an easy and secure way for you to make the switch to our alternative payment options online! Simply visit apo.seanc.org to sign up for SEANC’s new bank draft feature.

Most members currently pay for dues, insurance premiums, Purchasing Power and EMPAC donations through a monthly payroll deduction, but that option may not always be available. Moving members to an alternative payment option is essential to the future of SEANC. By enrolling in Bank Draft, you authorize SEANC to make regularly-scheduled deductions from your specified bank account.

Signing up for bank draft is easy. After visiting apo.seanc.org, simply click “enroll in Bank Draft” to safely and easily enter your information. We’ll take care of the rest!

This is a great option for members who have elected for benefits whose deductions may change from month-to-month (such as Purchasing Power or one of our Home & Auto Insurance plans). We do the work of tracking what should come out each month.

Don’t know how much you pay for dues and premiums each month? You can also look this information up at apo.seanc.org by clicking on “My Products.”

Is all of this confusing? The site also features a section of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the process.

Please consider SEANC’s alternative payment options today. Visit apo.seanc.org for more information

and to set up a bank draft, or call 1-800-222-2758 to speak with a staff member who can help you.

The circus is coming to town!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Out Of This World is coming to PNC Arena, February 912, 2017. Prepare to blast off on an intergalactic adventure for space-age family fun as the ultimate circus experience launches into the future.

Prime reserved seats are available at a savings of up to $24 per ticket on Opening Night and $4 for all other performances!

Click here to order your discounted circus tickets.

Something to quack about!

SEANC members can enroll in supplemental insurance with Aflac, which helps provide a safety net for you and your family. Aflac offers insurance for the cost of daily living - paying you cash to help with life's unexpected expenses.

The plans offered to SEANC members are: Group Critical Illness Insurance, Group Accident Insurance, Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Group Disability Insurance and Group Whole Life Insurance, which can be accessed through SEANC's Insurance page, and through Aflac.

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Friday, January 13, 2017

General Assembly convenes new session, quickly adjourns for two weeks The 2017 session of the General Assembly convened for Opening Day festivities on Wednesday – and quickly adjourned after doing little real business beyond swearing in, deciding rules for the session and electing leadership. They plan to return in two weeks, on Jan. 25, to get to work in earnest.

The break gives us a chance to prepare members for the session with a series of videos focused on SEANC’s role at the legislature. You can watch the first installment below, which gives you some background on what happened last session. Look for more videos on our Facebook and Twitter accounts,

as well as in The Scoop.

We need you to remain engaged during the current session. SEANC President Stanley Drewery has made it a priority to get as many members as possible to contact your legislators at least once this session, be it through a phone call, email or preferably in person.

Come to the legislature and speak to your lawmakers on the need to respect state employees and retirees. SEANC lobbyists will help set up meetings for you and provide you with information to help you have a productive conversation.

Also, stay informed. In addition to weekly Legislative Updates in The Scoop, SEANC will also share information as it is available on social media. We also ask that you text “SEANC” to 787753 to opt into our text alerts service. These alerts will tell you when action is needed.

SEANC needs your help in the Fight for $15!

Did you know that approximately 25 percent of active state employees do not make $15 an hour – or $31,200 annually? That means that more than 20,000 employees in state government agencies would get a raise if the

minimum wage were increased to $15 per hour.

Are you one of these workers? Are you willing to tell your story? SEANC’s Fight for $15 committee would like to hear from you! Please click here to share your story!

You can also email us at ff15@seanc.org or call (919) 833-6436 to join the fight!

Our Fight for $15 campaign for public employees is about more than just a minimum wage increase. We're calling for a "living� wage for all active employees and retirees who serve their fellow citizens. The increase is imperative to bettering the lives of all public employees and would have a positive impact on our communities and families. Currently, our committee has members located all around the state who will be dedicated to developing pathways to achieve this goal.

We are asking you to share your stories and ask members in your district to share as well. We heard incredible stories from our members at the 2016 SEANC Convention, who bravely came forward to share what a living wage means to them and the reality of what the under $15 an hour worker looks like. Please help us in this fight! Stand up for yourselves and your coworkers by telling us your story!

SEANC launches alternative payments online portal SEANC now has an easy and secure way for you to make the switch to our alternative payment options online! Simply visit apo.seanc.org to sign up for SEANC’s new bank draft feature.

Most members currently pay for dues, insurance premiums, Purchasing Power and EMPAC donations through a monthly payroll deduction, but that option may not always be available. Moving members to an alternative payment option is essential to the future of SEANC. By enrolling in bank draft, you authorize SEANC to make regularlyscheduled deductions from your specified bank account.

Signing up for bank draft is easy. After visiting apo.seanc.org, simply click “Enroll in Bank Draft” to safely and easily enter your information. We’ll take care of the rest!

Don’t know how much you pay for dues and premiums each month? You can also look this information up at apo.seanc.org by clicking on “My Products.”

Is all of this confusing? The site also features a section of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the process.

Please consider SEANC’s alternative payment options today. Visit apo.seanc.org for more information and to set up a bank draft, or call 1-

800-222-2758 to speak with a Member Services Receivables Specialist who can help you.

Monster Jam is coming to Raleigh!

Starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through!

Sat., Jan. 28 - 1 p.m.

Sat., Jan. 28 - 7 p.m.

Sun., Jan. 29 - 1 p.m.

Click Here to order through Group Tickets Plus OR Click Here to Order through Ticketmaster Enter Code SGMJ1 (Reduced Convenience Fees Apply) Pre-Show Party in the Pits Sunday, Jan 29 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Pit Party Passes ($15 all ages) must be accompanied by an entry ticket for the Jan. 29, 1 p.m. event.

Long-term Care Insurance Did you know as a SEANC member you can purchase long-term care insurance for yourself, parents and grandparents? Long-term covers care generally not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. This policy can be purchased for yourself or for family members. Long-term care includes a wide range of services that help loved ones maintain the normal activities of daily living. Call Southeastern Senior Strategies at 866-582-5260 or 919-359-9910 for a free quote today.

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Friday, January 20, 2017

Pay raises, COLAs the top priority for SEANC in new GA session

The General Assembly remained on break this week while the nation prepared for a new president. Gov. Roy Cooper made more appointments this week, picking Rep. Susi Hamilton (D-New Hanover) to lead the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Only two cabinet positions remain unfilled – at the departments of revenue and information technology.

Legislators will return on Wednesday, Jan. 25, to get down to business. In the video above, SEANC’s Government Relations staff gives an overview of the issues important to state employees that are sure to come up. Along with the annual state budget debate that will determine pay raises and COLAs, health care, retirement contributions and job cuts, we will also be watching an effort to pass a harmful TABOR law, privatization efforts and more.

SEANC is counting on you to remain engaged during the current session. SEANC President Stanley Drewery has made it a priority to get as many members as possible to contact your legislators at least once this session, be it through a phone call, email or preferably in person.

The video below is meant to help you with these outreach efforts. Please watch it, and make plans to come to the legislature and speak to your lawmakers on the need to

respect state employees and retirees.

Also, stay informed. In addition to weekly Legislative Updates in The Scoop, SEANC will also share information as it is available on social media. We also ask that you text “SEANC� to 787753 to opt into our text alerts service. These alerts will tell you when action is needed.

SEANC members stand up for livable wages

As we inaugurate a new president, we think it’s important to take stock in one of the biggest problems in America today: Wealth inequality. Did you know, for example, that eight people own as much wealth as half the world? The video above provides an accurate summary of issue and why it matters.

State employees are directly affected by this problem. Did you know that approximately 25 percent of active state employees do not make $15 an hour – or $31,200 annually? That means that more than 20,000 employees in state government agencies would get a raise if the minimum wage were increased to $15 per hour.

Our Fight for $15 campaign for public employees is about more than just a minimum wage increase.

We're calling for a "living” wage for all active employees and retirees who serve their fellow citizens.

The increase is imperative to bettering the lives of all public employees and would have a positive impact on our communities and families. Currently, our committee has members located all around the state who will be dedicated to developing pathways to achieve this goal.

The Raleigh City Council took note of this problem this week and increased the minimum wage for paid the city’s workers by almost 15 percent! Similar measures have been taken in other cities in the state as well. It’s time for the General Assembly to follow suit for state employees.

Are you one of these workers? Are you willing to tell your story? SEANC’s Fight for $15 committee would like to hear from you! Please click here to share your story!

You can also email us at ff15@seanc.org or call (919) 833-6436 to join the fight!

SEANC launches alternative payments online portal SEANC now has an easy and secure way for you to make the switch to our alternative payment options online! Simply visit apo.seanc.org to sign up for SEANC’s new bank draft feature.

Most members currently pay for dues, insurance premiums, Purchasing Power and EMPAC donations through a monthly payroll deduction, but that option may not always be available. Moving members to an alternative payment option is essential to the future of SEANC. By enrolling in bank draft, you authorize SEANC to make regularly-scheduled deductions from your specified bank account.

Signing up for bank draft is easy. After visiting apo.seanc.org, simply click “Enroll in Bank Draft” to safely and easily enter your information. We’ll take care of the rest!

Don’t know how much you pay for dues and premiums each month? You can also look this information up at apo.seanc.org by clicking on “My Products.”

Is all of this confusing? The site also features a section of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the process.

Please consider SEANC’s alternative payment options today. Visit apo.seanc.org for more information and to set up a bank draft, or call 1-800-222-2758 to speak with a Member Services Receivables Specialist who can help you.

SEANC nights with the Carolina Hurricanes SEANC has teamed up with the Carolina Hurricanes to bring members an exclusive opportunity to save up to 50% off the box office price for select Carolina Hurricanes home games, including the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Go Canes!

Go to https://www.seanc.org/discounts/carolina-hurricanes to purchase tickets.

Gain Peace of Mind with Colonial Life!

Thought about supplemental insurance but not sure what is right for you? SEANC members can receive Colonial Life accident, cancer, critical illness, disability, hospital confinement, whole and universal life policies at competitive rates, with convenient payroll deduction.

These personal insurance products can enhance your current benefits portfolio and can be customized to fit your individual needs. For more information on the plans visit the SEANC Insurance page or contact a Colonial Life representative at 888-732-6248.

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Friday, January 27, 2017

Legislature returns for long session: Retirement, SHP boards meet The General Assembly reconvened on Wednesday and got down to business assigning committee chairpersons.

Republicans will retain the supermajorities they have held in both chambers since 2011 and will be led by House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham).

"Things have to change for working families and we will all be tested this year," said SEANC Government Relations Director Ardis Watkins. "SEANC is committed to working with Gov. Cooper, Sen. Berger and Speaker Moore to push legislation to improve the lives

of North Carolina's hardworking public employees and their families."

A few bills of importance to state employees were filed this week. Read about them in this week’s Legislative Update.

Also, this week, EMPAC-endorsed state Treasurer Dale Folwell attended his first meetings of both the Retirement Systems Board of Trustees and the State Health Plan Board of Trustees. He made it clear he planned to stand up for state employees and retirees in both meetings.

He reported to the retirement board that he had already started the process of renegotiating fees with more than 40 investment managers in his first month in office – a process that will benefit state employees and retirees as well as taxpayers.

He pointed out to the SHP board that costs for state employees and retirees had gotten out of hand, especially dependent care coverage premiums.

Read more about the meetings in this week’s Legislative Update.

SEANC is counting on you to remain engaged during the current session. SEANC President Stanley Drewery has made it a priority to get as many members as possible to contact your legislators at least once this session, be it through a phone call, email or preferably in person.

Also, stay informed. In addition to weekly Legislative Updates in The Scoop, SEANC will also share information as it is available on social media. We also ask that you text “SEANC” to 787753 to opt into our text alerts service. These alerts will tell you when action is needed.

SEANC needs all members to help save ECU jobs The proposed merger between ECU Physicians Group and Vidant Medical Group stands to put 1,200 state employee positions and benefits at risk. Since news of the merger broke, SEANC has been vocal with ECU that employee rights must be protected at all costs above promised profits and special interests. The fight before us is nowhere near over and we are calling on ALL state employees and retirees to stand together and let all of North Carolina know that ECU is not for sale.

Want to help? Here are three easy steps to get involved:

1. Read the SEANC Scoop each Friday. Regular updates and important information regarding the merger will be included in the Scoop. These updates will give you information and notification of any events where you can stand up and join the fight to save ECU jobs.

2. Call your legislator. This is imperative. This fight can be won, but only if legislators hear from you. If you’re not sure who your representatives are, visit www.ncleg.net and click on the tab “who represents me?” You can also click here to search by county. Legislators are elected to serve you and hear your concerns. Ask your legislators to speak out against attempts to privatize our jobs and let them know ECU Physicians Group is not for sale.

3. Turn out to show your support. SEANC will be hosting events in Greenville over the coming weeks. Depending on what actions SEANC takes or ECU takes, these meetings might involve short notice. Stay tuned for any call to actions on social media, blast email or directly from your district chair.

Together, we can stand up, fight back and do what’s right for state employees, retirees and the people of Greenville.

Members to help you "make the switch!"

SEANC has enlisted the help of Alternative Payment Options Enrollers who will be visiting agencies all over the state in coming months to switch members over to bank draft! The members were trained

this week at the Central Office on how to answer any question you may have as you make the switch.

You can also enroll in bank draft online using SEANC’s new easy and secure website, apo.seanc.org.

Most members currently pay for dues, insurance premiums, Purchasing Power and EMPAC donations through a monthly payroll deduction, but that option may not always be available. Moving members to an alternative payment option is essential to the future of SEANC. By enrolling in bank draft, you authorize SEANC to make regularly-scheduled deductions from your specified bank account.

Signing up for bank draft is easy. After visiting apo.seanc.org, simply click “Enroll in Bank Draft” to safely and easily enter your information. We’ll take care of the rest!

If you would like for an APO Enroller to visit your workplace, contact the Member Relations Department at lcote@seanc.org or call 1-800-222-1758.

State Health Plan Deadline to Submit Open Enrollment Exceptions is Jan. 31 State Health Plan members should check your December 2016 pay statement to verify that your monthly State Health Plan deduction is correct. If there is a discrepancy, contact your agency Payroll or Human Resources Department or contact the State Health Plan by calling (919) 814-4400.

As a reminder, per the State Health Plan Enrollment Exceptions and Appeals Policy and Procedure, enrollment exceptions must be submitted within 60 days of enrollment, termination or change in benefit election or within 30 days of paycheck deduction or premium payment due date reflecting enrollment, termination or change in benefit election, whichever is later.

Therefore, the last day to submit Open Enrollment exceptions is January 31. Any Open Enrollment exceptions submitted after that date will be returned.

How has SEANC Insurance helped you?

Have you had a great experience using one of our many insurance products? Were we able to save you money, or come to your aid in a time of need? SEANC would like to hear from you!

We are starting a marketing campaign for our insurance offerings, and would love to feature real SEANC members who are willing to tell their stories! We may call on you to see if you would like to be in a television commercial or video for our website or social media outlets telling your story, or to ask permission to use it in a print ad.

The marketing of our insurance products will allow us to, hopefully, increase our enrollment and get

better rates and benefits for you!

Click here to share your story!

Make a Splash and Save at Great Wolf Lodge!

Want to escape the cold weather? Head to the Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park that stays a warm 84 degrees year-round and offers an exclusive discount for SEANC members! Enjoy family fun, from jaw-dropping slides for the thrill seekers to zero-depth entry playgrounds for the little ones.

Splash the day away while creating unforgettable family memories.

SEANC members enjoy 30% off best available room rates at all Great Wolf Lodge locations. Certain restrictions apply. Visit the SEANC Discount page for discount code.

Save on your Auto Insurance with Metlife!

Make the most of your SEANC Benefits and take advantage of competitive rates on your auto insurance with MetLife. MetLife Auto offers RV & motorcycle insurance, as well as boat insurance so you're protected, whatever you're driving.

Take advantage of their convenient payment plan through payroll deduction. Click here or call 800438-6388 for more information and to receive a free quote.

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