Stop Talking, Start Acting: See you at Lobby Day June 8
BY JIMMY DAVIS, DISTRICT 4 CHAIRMAN
As I’m driving alone on the back roads of Gaston
plenty of time to think. I think about whether or not the probationer that I’m about to visit has a get out of the car. I think about whether or not the probationer’s family members will yell at me as I go about my job making sure their loved one has made curfew. I think about these people a lot – all 82 of them.
I also think about what it would be like to
Community Corrections doesn’t pay all my bills and my daughter’s college tuition. So I don’t just work one job or even two jobs. I work any odd job
to make a dollar.
one story. We need to tell hundreds of stories. We must tell our elected leaders about the services we including our own families. Legislators need to understand that we as state employees deserve better than to be forced to work two jobs to make ends meet or struggle to get from paycheck to paycheck.
We continue to see our out-of-pocket costs executives at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina continually see million-dollar salaries. We must let our elected leaders in the Senate and House hear from us. We have already heard that the likelihood of a raise this year is not in the continue to increase as well as the workload of each employee.
If state employees do not show that we are insurance costs and more demands being placed same. I have also heard people stating that they are
to speak to them as though you have a master’s
BY TONI DAVIS
Public Records Suit Heads to Supreme Court
BY MARY ADELAIDE BELL
heard oral arguments in SEANC’s public records and former State Treasurer Richard Moore.
to a section of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Moore under the Public Records Act.
SEANC filed the lawsuit in February 2008 following nearly a year of incomplete answers to public made public records requests following a slew of media pension fund. Numerous articles in local and national media questioned whether Moore’s investment practices could have been politically motivated. He was the sole trustee of the state’s then $75 billion pension fund.
SEANC is supported in its appeal by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) and members make public records requests similar to
how you are working to keep our neighborhoods safe and how you are keeping the roads drivable so that people can get to work.
I have worked for North Carolina for 21 years and suffered along with other career employees
each of you to attend this lobby day.
must continue to have legislators stand up and another health insurance increase to our monthly bills. We endorsed and helped elect over half of to hear from us loud and clear – represent those
now is the time for us to stop talking and start acting.
Now I know that people are pressed for everything – especially time and money. I have
we cannot afford not to attend.
So go to the SEANC Web site and sign up for lobby day. It’s time for the talkers to take action. seanc_d4@yahoo.com
public’s knowledge of its government will suffer.”
sought will help SEANC determine if investment decisions were possibly based on politics rather than SEANC General Counsel Tom Harris.
one person makes all the investment decisions. Less than their pension funds. SEANC has been the leading voice
thus eliminating the likelihood of investment-related favoritism or political gain.
The decision from the Supreme Court is expected in the coming year. Stay tuned for the results as SEANC
Previously the North Carolina Court of Appeals
saying those requesting public records should list the documents by name. The decision was perplexing to SEANC attorneys who prepared documents asking
voted to appeal that ruling during its November meeting. mbell@seanc.org
Jimmy Davis of District 4 urges every SEANC member to take action by attending lobby day.
PHOTO
Deaf Schools Face Harsh Cuts Affecting Student Safety
BY ERICA BALDWIN
Imagine you have a week to make a choice: lose up to 20 percent of your paycheck or your job. Unfortunately, this choice was a reality for employees of the state’s three schools for deaf and blind students.
RIF Letters Impact Safety WILSON
Morganton and the Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh received reduction-in-force (RIF) letters
and pay or to decline the offer and lose their jobs.
Croom’s main concern is protecting students and maintaining the necessary learning environment for students whose needs cannot be met in traditional public schools. He said having fewer employees in
each child out safely.
Eleven employees from Wilson’s deaf school left their jobs because they could not afford to work there with the drastic pay cut. The residential schools also bussed in on Monday mornings. Ninety percent of the school’s students are residential.
many students are bussed for several hours and do not receive their needed medications until they
medications can greatly affect productivity. crisis situation is looming.
continued on page 3
Small Savings, Big Sacrifices
The expected savings from these cuts is $1
Employees at the deaf schools expressed outrage services are experiencing cuts. Workers who have direct contact with the children were never given an opportunity to offer input on how to cut the budget without impacting services so steeply.
where we get the appropriate services. It’s almost as if OES has turned a deaf ear to deaf education.”
training in the residence halls as well. Members of adapt to a hearing world.
Executive Order 45 Opens Door for SEANC
Because SEANC represents more than 20 percent executive order.
The budget cuts affecting the deaf and blind
schools are the types of issues SEANC expects to take up in meet and confer meetings outlined by the executive order.
with the Morganton deaf school and the blind school in Raleigh to hear employees’ concerns.
down or merging the three schools – a proposal that failed in last year’s House budget with good Ardis Watkins.
the parents and employees who care for and educate children with special needs and circumstances.”
ebaldwin@seanc.org
Affordable, Quality Health Insurance
If you don’t have access to health coverage through an employer, or if you just need health coverage for family members, Blue Advantage® is the program that gives you flexibility, convenience and options to fit your
LEFT: SEANC member Rudy Croom, an employee at the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf, signs his concerns about students’ safety due to recent cuts in staff during a meeting on March 12. CENTER: SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins, right, discusses the next steps for employees and concerned parents at the deaf school. RIGHT: SEANC Legal Counsel Tom Harris, left, talks about how Executive Order 45 will benefit employees and citizens who use state services, such as the deaf school.
PHOTOS BY MATT HANDS, WILSON TIMES
CENSUS: Be acCOUNTed For!
BY SARA BETH MCLAMB
you as a state employee more than you may know!
The census gathers population data that is counties and states. That information is later used to
each year. The largest single recipient of that money is state governments.
That means North Carolina receives money that’s used to fund the vital public services you provide services – based on census results.
money North Carolina can’t afford to lose!
appointed to the North Carolina Complete Count Committee (NC CCC) by Gov. Bev Perdue. The NC CCC is working to achieve the highest possible response rate by targeting people in the state of North
the census is one more way SEANC members can minutes.”
residents had returned their census forms. If you have contact the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center 866-872-6868. at sbmclamb@seanc.org
AMBER
, Associate Editor
SARA BETH MCLAMB, Communications Intern
State Employees Association of North Carolina www.seanc.org
Advertising Policy
SEANC accepts advertising material from companies and persons seeking to communicate with SEANC members. Acceptance of this advertising does not indicate SEANC approval or endorsement of any by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership. THE
Legislative Priorities at the General Assembly Begin
with You
Policy Platform Ideas Needed to Achieve Members’ Goals
BY KAY HOVIOUS,CHAIRWOMANOFTHE POLICY PLATFORM/PERSONNEL
Platform. This annual process begins at district-level consider recommendations for improvements to the state’s workplace and human resources policies and practices. An annual meeting schedule is updated
Policy Platform is key to achieving SEANC’s mission
In order to protect and enhance the rights and that drive SEANC’s legislative and administrative lobbying activities. It represents our members’ best thinking about how to recruit and retain the state’s most valuable resource – state employees.
Hearing our collective voice through the Policy Platform
State employees often identify opportunities for improving workplace practices. That’s because the best ideas about how to improve state government are often obvious to those of us who provide state services on a daily basis. Our quandary is usually more about how to gain support for the initiatives that make change happen. The Policy Platform offers us a way to bring our collective recommendations to the
District meetings begin the Policy Platform process
now is the time to turn our recommendations for change into formal Policy Platform objectives.
PolicyPlatformObjectiveForm.pdf.
clearly describe the desired change or new activity proposed and should include a meaningful rationale. A well-developed rationale increases the likelihood that a given recommendation will be adopted by SEANC’s annual convention. In developing
workforce or improve a workplace practice? Will it give rise to cost savings? Will it improve the delivery of a public service?
Need help?
and Policy Platform Advisory Committee members are available to assist you in developing your ideas into formal objectives and in drafting revisions to existing platform objectives and policy language. You may also contact your district chairperson for information about the Policy Platform process in your district.
mhovious@ec.rr.com
SEANC Members: How You Decide the Association’s Legislative Plan of Action
COMMITTEE
Policy Platform Resources
Looking for more information on Policy Platform?
The SEANC Web site has the following resources available for members at http://www.seanc.org/about/committees.aspx under the Policy Platform/Personnel Benefits Committee:
Policy Platform Advisory Committee Members are available to assist members craft their objectives.
Policy Platform Objective Forms must be completed and approved at an annual meeting. See page 14 for the current list of annual meetings.
2010 Policy Platform Plan of Action contains the Policy Platform objectives approved by SEANC convention delegates in 2009.
District Chairpersons are available to provide information to members about their individual district’s Policy Platform submission rules at www.seanc.org/about/board.aspx.
1.Seek continuation of a fully paid health care
for active qualified employees and retired employees.
2.Seek restoration of the employer’s contribution to the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System to at least match the employee contribution of 6 percent.
3. Request that the General Assembly fund the employee compensation plan prior to considering other appropriations.
4.SEANC will support federal and state legislation to provide access to quality and affordable health care for all United States citizens based on principles similar to those established by the North Carolina Health Access Coalition.
5.Oppose legislation that would remove state employees from under the protections of the State Personnel Act through the Office of State Personnel.
6.SEANC endorses the repeal of G.S. §95-98 and supports the enactment of legislation to govern collective bargaining by North Carolina public employees; further SEANC will seek to amend G.S. §143-3.3(g) and G.S. §135-18.8 to delete language that voids dues deduction from payroll or from a retirement benefit if an employees’ or retirees’ association engages in collective bargaining.
7.Propose legislation to consider SPA employees for equal percentage pay increases as teachers, EPA employees and faculty employees.
8.Seek an increase in the retirement accrual rate to 2.0 to provide employees with 60 percent of their final compensation upon retirement.
9.Seek legislation to remove oversight of the State Health Plan from under the auspices of the Majority Leaders of the Senate and House to a government agency.
10.SEANC will oppose privatization and downsizing of state government services.
Quotes to Note
“To save a little bit of money and to hurt a vulnerable population to do it makes no sense. The deeper we dig down into it, it’s just appalling. Ultimately, the effect on the schools will be that slowly, they’ll shut down. Staff is going to leave. Kids are going to leave.”
“By and large, I don’t see a problem with being able to disclose the historical salaries of state employees or the historical nature of what their job titles and duties were.”
“It means that when employees need an avenue to improve employee-management cooperation, we have one. It means that we can discuss the terms and conditions of our employment –something that could reduce the $563 million annual turnover cost in state government.”
SEANC speaks for state workers.”
“We’re not going to take it anymore. While they’re in the RitzCarlton eating their big shrimp and high-dollar meals, we’re outside eating Ritz crackers, and that’s not enough. We’re going to send a message that we’re tired of their CEOs making over $4 million a year when folks are literally dying because they don’t have access to health insurance in this country.” SEANC Executive
“If North Carolina is lower [in cost] than other states, how much lower could we be if we weren’t supplementing Blue Cross’ CEO bonuses, sponsorships and buffets?” of Communications Erica Baldwin in the Feb. 26 News & Observer
“Everybody here plays an important role. And you start cutting people, you might start losing quality down the line.”
Please
STATEWIDE SALES AND SERVICE
Fran Albritton, LUTCF Locust, NC
Ty Cobb, CFP Angier, NC
Junior Edge Fayetteville, NC
Steve Hamilton, LUTCF Barnardsville, NC
Chris Harris Greenville, NC
John Hill New Bern, NC
Kevin Hill New Bern, NC
Ron Jackson Raleigh, NC
Rob Jernigan Fayetteville, NC
Scott Kittrell Sanford, NC
Shelley Kittrell Sanford, NC Page Simpson Raleigh, NC
Jeff Tate Henderson, NC
Will Walters Fayetteville, NC
Chris Woodby Burnsville, NC
Mark Younts Salisbury, NC
Health Insurance Reform: The Big Picture
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law on March 23, is a victory for every working family who ever worried about how they were going to pay for their children’s health care, struggled in the face of medical bankruptcy or saw their dreams taken away by skyrocketing health care costs. SEANC members worked to support the passage of reform, as one of SEANC’s Top Ten Policy Platform Objectives to improve the quality and affordability of health care for all Americans.
How Federal Health Reform Benefits North Carolina’s State Employees and Retirees
BY CHUCK STONE, DIRECTOROF NORTH CAROLINIANSFOR AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE
parent’s State Health Plan (SHP) coverage to age 26 (even if not enrolled in college)
pre-existing conditions by private insurance for children
coverage when people get sick conditions to obtain coverage through a operating thus reducing state appropriations needed for the N.C. families pay annually in higher premiums the uninsured (2010-2018)
of-pocket expenses for certain preventative care colonoscopies
diabetes
thus reducing dependent expenses to many state employee families (families of four earning state insurance exchanges conditions by private insurance companies expenses to have health insurance with limited exceptions available (see above)
a maximum of 2.5 percent of taxable income in 2016
State Health Plan is not in this category since the employee and $0 for a family. (2018)
Medicare (Seniors and People with Disabilities)
the donut hole (2010) wellness exams and elimination of out-of-pocket and diabetes screening (2011) (2010-2020)
the 1.2 million seniors not enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (2011) more money on patient care and less on executive bonuses (2011-2015) community-based services for people with severe disabilities (2011)
NOTE: While the legislation imposes an excise tax
cstone@seanc.org
SEANC Members Turned Activists
BY DANA COPE,EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
know that the debate over health care has been ongoing since the beginning of the 20th century in office?
The national health care debate was exciting to me for many reasons. It accomplished one support federal and state legislation to provide access to quality and can insure your children through age 26 and much more. The health care debate also brought home what we’ve been saying for years – namely
National health insurance reform will bring real protections and key benefits that take effect this year.
Local 2008.
One of the ways that it affected North Carolina and SEANC members
ground time and time again as health care activists. We told our personal health care stories –us because of their lack of or denial of health care and about the injustice of even having to have
It was SEANC members who became the go-to health care activists and leaders for change
and most importantly our members. We protested outside of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North
on facebook and across the blogosphere.
The event that made me the proudest was when more than 200 of our SEANC activists and of health care – all of whom woke up before 3:00 a.m. to do so.
1.Lifetime limits and restricted annual limits on coverage are eliminated. companies can’t drop us.
3.Our children can stay covered under our policy until the age of 26. care because of a pre-existing condition.
5.Our parents will be paying less for their prescriptions.
6.All new plans must cover preventive screenings and
7.Tax credits will be available for small businesses who offer coverage.
dedication on health care that we are indeed activists making big things happen around the nation and here in North Carolina. I am so proud that our SEANC activists are making things happen. dcope@seanc.org
August 2009 SEANC joins the Organizing for America health care tour, where District 42 member Regenia Melvin talks to SEANC member organizers after the rally in Raleigh.
PHOTO BY TONY BOOE
Shoshana Serxner shows
PHOTO BY TONY BOOE
March 2010 More than 200 SEANC members go to Washington, D.C. in support of health insurance reform.
PHOTO BY TONY BOOE
Cope
President’s Message
BY TONY SMITH
Time to Gear Up for the Legislative Session
dates that I want y’all to keep in mind over the coming weeks. We have a lot
is also an election year. This means we have less be dealing with distracted legislators. We need to remind our elected officials that they need to focus on more than their re-election campaigns – they need to keep their eyes and minds on the business at hand this session.
We’re facing another year of challenges. In reported that the state is forecasting another expect pay raises.
We need to make our presence known to the ladies and gentlemen on know they cannot continue to balance the state’s budget on the backs of the men and women who make this great state function. We need to raise our combined voices to fight layoffs and furloughs that would lay waste to the quality public services we are all so proud to provide.
under the oversight of the General Assembly – we need to encourage our legislators to move its oversight to another agency.
We don’t just need the active state employees coming out for SEANC
the retirement system from one person — the state treasurer — making investment choices to a board or commission of qualified professionals overseeing those decisions for our future. Retirees need to come out to have their voices heard on these issues.
can make sure it’s productive. Let’s all come together to raise our voices on
tsmith@seanc.org
Join Us for SEANC Lobby Day
Counselor’s Comments
Beware of Scams in Economic Downturn
watch out for that use counterfeit or fake checks.
Check overpayment scams target consumers
corporate and personal checks. The scam artist replies comes up with a reason for writing the check for more than the purchase price. The scammer asks the seller to wire back the difference after depositing the check.
In secret shopper scams, the consumer hired to be a secret shopper is asked to evaluate the effectiveness of a money transfer
no one collects the evaluation. The secret shopper scam is just a scam to get the consumer’s money.
You and your bank – who is responsible for what?
check. The remaining funds are available on the second day after the deposit if
mean the check is good. It’s best not to rely on money from any type of check unless
funds you withdraw against that account.
If you think you’re a victim or have been targeted
tharris@seanc.org
June 8, 2010 10:00 a.m. Halifax Mall, Raleigh (just outside the General Assembly building)
ALL SEANC MEMBERS & STATE EMPLOYEES INVITED!
Register online at www.seanc.org.
Buses will be coming to Raleigh from Charlotte, Asheville, Morganton, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Wilmington and Greenville for a fee per rider.
For more information, please contact Tiffany Woodard at 800-222-2758 or twoodard@seanc.org.
Smith Harris
Vaughan Named Eastern Member Action Coordinator
BY SARA BETH MCLAMB
region member action coordinator. A native of
chairman for three years and eastern region representative to the Executive Committee for
and Eastern North Carolina are near and dear to my heart. Being a member action coordinator allows me to blend two of my great passions. I can’t wait to get started.”
state of North Carolina as an assistant superintendent for programs at Tyrrell Prison Work Farm.
sbmclamb@seanc.org
PHOTO BY ORIE HENRY JR.
Cherry Hospital Christmas Parade
SEANC in the Cherry Hospital Christmas Parade.
they are very dedicated and proud supporters of Miller and Buday.
Books for Troops
District 19 Helps Troops Serving Overseas
18 to show their appreciation for members of our armed forces. The volunteers made thousands of goodie bags and hundreds of scarves and blankets to send to troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
District 3 Donates Food
overseas. Mayland Community College (MCC) Guardsman enrolled in MCC’s electronics engineering be sent to troops overseas. THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS MAY 12.
Shepherd’s Staff. The Shepherd’s Staff is located in Spruce Pine and provides food assistance to those in donated items.
The Pension Maximization Plan is a New Alternative Option which isn’t offered by the Retirement System; This Plan Puts You, (instead of them), in Control of your Retirement Income, and Empowers You to:
PHOTO BY ORIE HENRY JR. PHOTO
Get to Know Your Endorsed Candidates
SEANC’s Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC) endorsed the following candidates for the May 4 primary. As you see them in your communities, get to know them and educate them about the quality public services you provide as a state employee. See more information on page 16.
Did you miss NOC Training in April? Don’t worry—you still have three chances to attend!
City Date
Fayetteville May 6-7 Winston-Salem May 10-11 Asheville May 17-18
Learn everything you need to know about membership recruitment, politics or retiree action, and become a more active and involved SEANC leader!
For more information, contact Mitch Leonard at mleonard@seanc.org or register on the SEANC Web site, www.seanc.org
Ken Waddell (D) Brunswick, Columbus Bernard Allen II (D) Wake Jeanne Bonds (D) Wake
Chris Heagarty * (D) Wake
Tom Murry (R) Wake
Elmer Floyd * (D) Cumberland
Charles Graham (D) Robeson
Fred Foster Jr. (D) Durham, Person
Alma Adams * (D) Guilford
John Faircloth (R) Guilford Pat Hurley * (R) Randolph Shirley Randleman * (R) Wilkes
Rodney Moore (D) Mecklenburg
Mark Crawford (R) Buncombe
Frankie Bordeaux (D) Edgecombe, Martin, Pitt
Doug Berger * (D) Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren
R. Benjamin Clark III (D) Hoke, Robeson
Lula Crenshaw (D) Cumberland
Gladys Robinson (D) Guilford * Incumbents
North Carolina House
North Carolina Senate
p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
All SEANC decisions stem from district meetings. Whether you have talents or interests in policy, scholarships, communications, membership recruitment or serving as a convention delegate, your district has a place for you! Attend your annual meeting and vote on district officers, Policy PlatformObjectives, SEANC Bylaws and more. To find out your district number, go to www.seanc.org under “Quick Links.” Contact your district officers to confirm the meeting dates, times and locations as they are subject to change, or check the calendar of events at www.seanc.org. * As of press time.
Locklear - lpj02@doc.state.nc.us
Tate - marie.tate@orange.k12.nc.us
Cliff Brown - seanc2@nc.rr.com
Baker - ghostbuster151@yahoo.com
LaSane - gracie_lesane@msn.com
Anthony - araleighwood@netscape.com April Graham - dat01@doc.state.nc.us
GarnerYesBruce Garner - bhgarner@yahoo.com May 266:00 p.m.
58 6:00 p.m. Holt Lake Bar-B-Que & Seafood
6:00 p.m.
60 6:00 p.m.
61 7:00 p.m.
YesEddie Brogden - bje03@doc.state.nc.us
GoldsboroYes
GoldsboroYesCarolyn Sutton - carolynm@earthlink.net
BurgawRicky Rivenbark - rickybark22@hotmail.com
62 Robert Barnhill - rbarnhill@ec.rr.com
63 6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
65 5:30 p.m.
WilliamstonYes
GreenvilleYesGene Mills - tylerstormspring@gmail.com
GreenvilleYes
66May 206:30 p.m.TBA Yes
67 Bill Boyle - wboyle@suddenlink.net
68 Rita Woods - lra01@doc.state.nc.us
6:00 p.m.
70 6:30 p.m.
YesArvis Sutton - asutton1253@yahoo.com
71 6:00 p.m. WilsonYesStuart Glover - comanchecreekllc@yahoo.com
State Employees Association of North Carolina
Primed to Vote: EMPAC Endorses 10 SEANC Members in May 4 Primary
BY TONI DAVIS
RALEIGH endorsements for the 2010 North Carolina General Assembly May members.
EMPAC Endorsements
North Carolina House
Dist.Candidate (Party) Counties
20Ken Waddell (D) Brunswick, Columbus
33 Bernard Allen II (D)Wake
39 Jeanne Bonds (D)Wake
41 Chris Heagarty* (D) Wake
41Tom Murry (R)Wake
43Elmer Floyd* (D)Cumberland
47 Charles Graham (D)Robeson
55 Fred Foster Jr. (D)Durham, Person
58 Alma Adams* (D)Guilford
61John Faircloth (R)Guilford
70 Pat Hurley* (R)Randolph
94 Shirley Randleman* (R) Wilkes
99Rodney Moore (D)Mecklenburg
to endorse in federal House and Senate races. The committee also voted to conduct general election
Cunningham will compete for the Senate seat currently held by Richard Burr.
Endorsement Process
EMPAC is divided into 15 areas across the state with a committee in each area that chooses whether or not to endorse in North Carolina General Assembly primary and general election races. Prior to
EMPAC section of the SEANC Web site at www.seanc.org.
tdavis@seanc.org
115Mark Crawford (R)Buncombe
North Carolina Senate
Dist.Candidate (Party) Counties
3Frankie Bordeaux (D) Edgecombe, Martin, Pitt
7 Doug Berger* (D)Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren
13R. Benjamin Clark III (D)Hoke, Robeson
21 Lula Crenshaw (D)Cumberland
28Gladys Robinson (D)Guilford
*Incumbents. Italicized names are SEANC members.