May 2010

PUBLIC POLICY

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 BeneďŹ ts North Carolina’s State Employees and Retirees

BY CHUCK STONE, DIRECTOR OF NORTH CAROLINIANS FOR AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

2010 ‡

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$OORZV GHSHQGHQW FKLOGUHQ WR UHPDLQ RQ WKH parent’s State Health Plan (SHP) coverage to age 26 (even if not enrolled in college) (OLPLQDWHV GHQLDO RI FRYHUDJH RI FKLOGUHQ IRU pre-existing conditions by private insurance FRPSDQLHV ZKLFK FRXOG UHVXOW LQ ORZHU SUHPLXPV for children 3URKLELWV OLIHWLPH FDSV RQ FRYHUDJH %DQV LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQLHV IURP GURSSLQJ coverage when people get sick $OORZV XQLQVXUHG DGXOWV ZLWK SUH H[LVWLQJ conditions to obtain coverage through a VXEVLGL]HG KLJK ULVN SRRO WKH SURJUDP H[SLUHV LQ ZKHQ QHZ LQVXUDQFH H[FKDQJHV EHJLQ operating 3URYLGHV IHGHUDO UHLPEXUVHPHQW SD\PHQWV RI FODLPV WR WKH 6+3 IRU HDFK QRQ 0HGLFDUH UHWLUHH thus reducing state appropriations needed for the 6+3

5HGXFHV WKH ³KLGGHQ WD[´ RI WKDW LQVXUHG N.C. families pay annually in higher premiums DQG UHGXFHG KHDOWK EHQH¿WV WR RII VHW WKH FRVWV RI the uninsured (2010-2018)

‡ 2IIHUV IUHH SUHYHQWLYH FDUH LQFOXGLQJ DQQXDO ZHOOQHVV H[DPV DQG HOLPLQDWHV RXW RI SRFNHW FR SD\V IRU ZHOOQHVV VFUHHQLQJV VXFK DV FDQFHU and diabetes

2014 ‡

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2011 ‡ (OLPLQDWHV VRPH FXUUHQW GHGXFWLEOHV DQG RXW of-pocket expenses for certain preventative care VHUYLFHV LQ WKH 6+3 VXFK DV DJH DSSURSULDWH colonoscopies

3URYLGHV IHGHUDO VXEVLGLHV WR DVVLVW IDPLOLHV LQ SD\LQJ GHSHQGHQW KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH SUHPLXPV thus reducing dependent expenses to many state employee families (families of four earning \HDU RU OHVV

$OORZV SXUFKDVH RI GHSHQGHQW FRYHUDJH WKURXJK state insurance exchanges (OLPLQDWHV GHQLDO RI FRYHUDJH IRU SUH H[LVWLQJ conditions by private insurance companies ([SDQGV 0HGLFDLG WR SHUFHQW RI IHGHUDO SRYHUW\ OHYHO IRU D IDPLO\ RI IRXU DQG LQFOXGHV FKLOGOHVV DGXOWV IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH 3ODFHV DQQXDO FDSV RQ PD[LPXP RXW RI SRFNHW expenses 5HTXLUHV PRVW 8 6 FLWL]HQV DQG OHJDO UHVLGHQWV to have health insurance with limited exceptions EDVHG RQ LQFRPH KRZHYHU IHGHUDO VXEVLGLHV DUH available (see above) 3KDVHV LQ D WD[ SHQDOW\ IRU WKRVH IDLOLQJ WR FDUU\ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH DW \HDU LQ DQG LQFUHDVLQJ WR a maximum of 2.5 percent of taxable income in 2016

NOTE: While the legislation imposes an excise tax RQ KLJK GROODU KHDOWK SODQV H[FHHGLQJ \HDU

IRU DQ LQGLYLGXDO DQG \HDU IRU D IDPLO\ WKH State Health Plan is not in this category since the VWDWH RQO\ SD\V D PD[LPXP SHU \HDU IRU DQ employee and $0 for a family. (2018)

Medicare (Seniors and People with Disabilities) ‡ ‡

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5HEDWHV WR 0HGLFDUH UHFLSLHQWV DIIHFWHG E\ the donut hole (2010) 3URYLGHV IUHH SUHYHQWLYH FDUH LQFOXGLQJ DQQXDO wellness exams and elimination of out-of-pocket FR SD\PHQWV IRU SUHYHQWLYH EHQHÂżWV VXFK DV FDQFHU and diabetes screening (2011) 3KDVHV LQ HOLPLQDWLRQ RI 0HGLFDUH 3DUW ' GRQXW KROH DOORZLQJ SXUFKDVH RI QHHGHG PHGLFDWLRQV (2010-2020) 5HGXFHV 0HGLFDUH 3DUW % SUHPLXP LQFUHDVHV IRU the 1.2 million seniors not enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (2011) (QVXUHV 0HGLFDUH $GYDQWDJH SODQV PXVW VSHQG more money on patient care and less on executive bonuses (2011-2015) 2IIHUV D YROXQWDU\ SURJUDP &/$66 WR SURYLGH community-based services for people with severe disabilities (2011) 3URYLGHV SHUFHQW ERQXV SD\PHQWV WR SULPDU\ FDUH SK\VLFLDQV DQG JHQHUDO VXUJHRQV

cstone@seanc.org

SEANC Members Turned Activists BY

DANA COPE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

)LQDOO\ Âą YLFWRU\ RQ KHDOWK FDUH 7KLV KLVWRULF KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH UHIRUP ELOO LV QRZ ODZ 'LG \RX know that the debate over health care has been ongoing since the beginning of the 20th century EDFN ZKHQ 3UHVLGHQW 7KHRGRUH 5RRVHYHOW Âą QRW )'5 P\ IULHQGV Âą EXW ZKHQ 7HGG\ 5RRVHYHOW ZDV in office?

The national health care debate was exciting to me for many reasons. It accomplished one RI 6($1&œV 7RS 7HQ 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP 2EMHFWLYHV WKDW ³6($1& ZLOO support federal and state legislation to provide access to quality and DIIRUGDEOH KHDOWK FDUH IRU DOO 8QLWHG 6WDWHV FLWL]HQV ´ 2Q D SHUVRQDO OHYHO LW DIILUPHG P\ GHHSO\ KHOG EHOLHI WKDW KHDOWK FDUH LV D PRUDO ULJKW WR HYHU\ PDQ ZRPDQ DQG FKLOG LQ $PHULFD $OWKRXJK QRW D SHUIHFW ELOO E\ DQ\ PHDQV LW LV WKH ODZ RI WKH ODQG ,W PHDQV RXU GHSHQGHQWV FDQ REWDLQ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH ZLWK SUH H[LVWLQJ FRQGLWLRQV LW PHDQV WKDW \RX 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 ZKDW KDSSHQV LQ :DVKLQJWRQ ' & GLUHFWO\ DIIHFWV 1RUWK &DUROLQD $QG LWœV RQH RI WKH UHDVRQV WKDW 6($1& FKRVH WR EHFRPH 6($1& 6(,8 Local 2008.

Cope One of the ways that it affected North Carolina and SEANC members LQ SDUWLFXODU ZDV WKDW ZH JRW DFWLYH LQ D PHDQLQJIXO SHUVRQDO ZD\ 1RW RQO\ GLG ZH ZULWH OHWWHUV PDNH SKRQH FDOOV VLJQ SHWLWLRQV DQG ODXQFK D KHDOWK UHIRUP :HE VLWH EXW ZH SXW RXU ERRWV RQ WKH ground time and time again as health care activists. We told our personal health care stories – DERXW RXU VHFRQG MREV WR SD\ IRU RXU IDPLO\ KHDOWK FDUH DERXW RXU IDPLO\ PHPEHUV QR ORQJHU ZLWK us because of their lack of or denial of health care and about the injustice of even having to have WKLV FRQYHUVDWLRQ LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV RI $PHULFD It was SEANC members who became the go-to health care activists and leaders for change LQ RXU FRPPXQLWLHV QRW MXVW LQ 5DOHLJK EXW VWDWHZLGH 2XU PHPEHUV KHOG KHDOWK FDUH IRUXPV LQ *UHHQYLOOH /LOOLQJWRQ .LQVWRQ &ROID[ 0RUJDQWRQ 5DOHLJK %XUJDZ %XWQHU DQG &O\GH WKDW GUHZ WKRXVDQGV RI HYHU\GD\ SHRSOH IRU DQG DJDLQVW KHDOWK FDUH UHIRUP 8 6 &RQJUHVVPHQ WKH PHGLD and most importantly our members. We protested outside of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North &DUROLQDœV FRUSRUDWH KHDGTXDUWHUV UDOOLHG LQ 5DOHLJK LQ VXSSRUW RI 5HS %RE (WKHULGJH SURWHVWHG LQ &RQFRUG LQ RSSRVLWLRQ WR 5HS /DUU\ .LVVHOO DQG PDGH RXU YRLFHV KHDUG LQ QHZVSDSHUV RQ 79 on facebook and across the blogosphere.

The event that made me the proudest was when more than 200 of our SEANC activists and IULHQGV DQVZHUHG WKH FDOO WR MRLQ RXU EURWKHUV DQG VLVWHUV LQ :DVKLQJWRQ ' & WR UDOO\ LQ VXSSRUW of health care – all of whom woke up before 3:00 a.m. to do so.

1DWLRQDO KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH UHIRUP LV D UHDOLW\ EXW WKH ZRUN RQ KHDOWK FDUH GRHVQœW VWRS QRZ :H PXVW FRQWLQXH LW DW WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ WKLV PRQWK 6($1& DFWLYLVWV FRPH MRLQ PH WKLV PRQWK IRU 1RUWK &DUROLQD 2UJDQL]HU &RUSV 12& WUDLQLQJ DQG 6($1&œV /REE\ 'D\ RQ -XQH $V RQH SURYHUE JRHV ³6RPH SHRSOH PDNH WKLQJV KDSSHQ VRPH ZDWFK WKLQJV KDSSHQ ZKLOH RWKHUV ZRQGHU ZKDW KDV KDSSHQHG ´ :HOO 6($1& PHPEHUV KDYH VKRZQ WKURXJK WKHLU WLUHOHVV 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.

PUBLIC POLICY

National health insurance reform will bring real protections and key beneďŹ ts that take effect this year.

1. Lifetime limits and restricted annual limits on coverage are eliminated. ,I ZH JHW VLFN LQVXUDQFH companies can’t drop us.

3. Our children can stay covered under our policy until the age of 26.

2XU FKLOGUHQ FDQÂśW EH GHQLHG 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 LPPXQL]DWLRQV 7. Tax credits will be available for small businesses who offer coverage.

dcope@seanc.org

July 2009

PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS

PHOTO BY ERICA BALDWIN

SEANC hosts a dozen health reform town hall meetings across the state; several congressmen, including Rep. Bob Etheridge, speak at the forums.

SEIU International grants funds for SEANC member organizers to hold state legislators accountable for their State Health Plan vote and to educate members on national health insurance reform.

August-September 2009

SEANC District 39 member Shoshana Serxner shows support for Rep. Etheridge’s pro-health reform stance.

SEANC launches www.stopbcbs.com to call on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C. to stop using health care dollars to fund anti-reform efforts.

March 2010

November 2009

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY MARY ADELAIDE BELL

December 2008January 2009 SEANC members visit nine North Carolina congressmen, including Rep. G.K. ButterďŹ eld, to ask for their support of health care reform.

July 2009

August 2009

SEANC members and health care advocates protest outside of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C., which spent big dollars trying to block health insurance reform.

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

March 2010

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

More than 200 SEANC members go to Washington, D.C. in support of health insurance reform.

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.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

1

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010 *Incumbents. Italicized names are SEANC members.

13 21 28 3 7

Edgecombe, Martin, Pitt Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren R. Benjamin Clark III (D) Hoke, Robeson Lula Crenshaw (D) Cumberland Gladys Robinson (D) Guilford Frankie Bordeaux (D) Doug Berger* (D)

Dist. Candidate (Party)

Counties

North Carolina Senate 20 33 39 41 41 43 47 55 58 61 70 94 99 115

TONI DAVIS

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 Counties

North Carolina House

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 WKURXJK \HDUV ZLWK QR SD\ LQFUHDVHV ZKLOH ZH EXLOW EULGJHV WR QRZKHUH DQG RYHU SULFHG ¿VKLQJ SLHUV EXW HQRXJK LV HQRXJK , ZDQW WR HQFRXUDJH each of you to attend this lobby day. :H 6($1& DUH WKH UHFRJQL]HG YRLFH RI VWDWH HPSOR\HHV :H FRQWLQXH WR JURZ EXW ZH must continue to have legislators stand up and WDNH QRWLFH WKDW ZH FDQQRW QRU ZLOO QRW DFFHSW another health insurance increase to our monthly bills. We endorsed and helped elect over half of WKH OHJLVODWLYH ERG\ DQG QRZ LW LV WLPH IRU WKHP to hear from us loud and clear – represent those ZKR KHOSHG JHW \RX HOHFWHG RU ¿QG DQRWKHU FDUHHU 7KHVH DUH WKLQJV WKDW , WKLQN DERXW HYHU\ GD\ EXW 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 KHDUG SHRSOH VD\ ³, FDQœW DIIRUG WR WDNH WKH GD\ RII WR JR WR 5DOHLJK ´ %XW , KDYH WR WHOO \RX SHRSOH 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

mbell@seanc.org

Jimmy Davis of District 4 urges every SEANC member to take action by attending lobby day.

PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS

EMPAC Endorsements

8

9

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tdavis@seanc.org 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 UHFHLYLQJ DQ HQGRUVHPHQW IURP WKH VWDWHZLGH (03$& HDFK FDQGLGDWH ZDV LQWHUYLHZHG DQG DSSURYHG E\ WKHLU ORFDO DUHD (03$& WHDP 7R OHDUQ PRUH DERXW (03$& DQG WKH QRPLQDWLQJ SURFHVV JR WR WKH EMPAC section of the SEANC Web site at www.seanc.org.

Endorsement Process RALEIGH Âą 7KH (PSOR\HHV 3ROLWLFDO $FWLRQ &RPPLWWHH (03$&

D VXEVLGLDU\ RI 6($1& PHW RQ 0DUFK DQG YRWHG WR PDNH endorsements for the 2010 North Carolina General Assembly May SULPDU\ HOHFWLRQV 7HQ RI WKH HQGRUVHG FDQGLGDWHV DUH 6($1& members. ³7KH (03$& HQGRUVHPHQW PHDQV WKH ZRUOG WR PH ,W WHOOV PH P\ ZRUN DW WKH '09 ZDV YDOXHG E\ P\ IHOORZ HPSOR\HHV ,I HOHFWHG , ZLOO EH DFFHVVLEOH DQG DFFRXQWDEOH WR WKH SHRSOH ZKR SXW PH LQ RI¿FH DQG , ZLOO ZRUN WR UHSHDO * 6 † ¹ WKH VWDWXWH WKDW SURKLELWV SXEOLF HPSOR\HH FROOHFWLYH EDUJDLQLQJ ´ VDLG 6($1& PHPEHU )UHG )RVWHU D UHWLUHG 'LYLVLRQ RI 0RWRU 9HKLFOHV RI¿FHU UXQQLQJ IRU +RXVH 'LVWULFW ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR UHYLHZLQJ DQG HQGRUVLQJ VWDWHZLGH FDQGLGDWHV (03$& YRWHG WR HVWDEOLVK D SURFHVV to endorse in federal House and Senate races. The committee also voted to conduct general election LQWHUYLHZV LQ WKH XSFRPLQJ 8 6 6HQDWH UDFH 2Q 0D\ YRWHUV LQ WKH 'HPRFUDWLF SULPDU\ ZLOO GHFLGH ZKHWKHU 6HFUHWDU\ RI 6WDWH (ODLQH 0DUVKDOO D 6($1& PHPEHU RU IRUPHU VWDWH UHSUHVHQWDWLYH &DO Cunningham will compete for the Senate seat currently held by Richard Burr.

Dist. Candidate (Party) BY

Primed to Vote: EMPAC Endorses 10 SEANC Members in May 4 Primary

As I’m driving alone on the back roads of Gaston &RXQW\ IRU P\ MRE DV D VXUYHLOODQFH RI¿FHU , KDYH plenty of time to think. I think about whether or not the probationer that I’m about to visit has a GRJ VR , DOZD\V UHPHPEHU WR WDS WKH KRUQ EHIRUH , 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 KDYH RQH MRE ¹ QRW D MRE EXW RQH MRE , KDWH WR VD\ LW EXW P\ RQH MRE ZRUNLQJ IRU WKH 'LYLVLRQ RI 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 ¹ FXWWLQJ JUDVV VSUHDGLQJ PXOFK ¹ ZKDWHYHU , FDQ to make a dollar.

7KLV EULQJV PH WR 6($1&ÂśV /REE\ 'D\ RQ -XQH ,ÂśP JRLQJ DQG , ZDQW \RX WR MRLQ PH 7KLV LV P\ UHDOLW\ P\ VWRU\ ,WÂśV LPSRUWDQW EXW LWÂśV RQO\ one story. We need to tell hundreds of stories. We must tell our elected leaders about the services we SURYLGH DQG ZK\ WKH\ DUH LPSRUWDQW WR HYHU\RQH 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 DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK LQVXUDQFH VN\URFNHW ZKLOH WKH 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 SLFWXUH EXW WKH GHPDQGV IRU VHUYLFHV ZH SURYLGH continue to increase as well as the workload of each employee.

If state employees do not show that we are GLVVDWLV¿HG ZLWK WKH ODFN RI UDLVHV VN\URFNHWLQJ insurance costs and more demands being placed RQ XV DW ZRUN WKHQ ZH FDQ H[SHFW PRUH RI WKH same. I have also heard people stating that they are XQFRPIRUWDEOH WDONLQJ WR OHJLVODWRUV :HOO OHW PH WHOO \RX WKHVH IRONV SXW WKHLU SDQWV RQ RQH OHJ DW D WLPH MXVW OLNH \RX DQG , GR DQG \RX GRQœW KDYH to speak to them as though you have a master’s GHJUHH , XUJH \RX WR EH RSHQ XSIURQW DQG KRQHVW DERXW KRZ \RX DUH VWUXJJOLQJ WR PDNH HQGV PHHW

2Q 0DUFK WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6XSUHPH &RXUW heard oral arguments in SEANC’s public records ODZVXLW DJDLQVW WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 6WDWH 7UHDVXUHU and former State Treasurer Richard Moore. $W LVVXH ZDV ZKHWKHU RU QRW 6($1& KDG ¿OHG ³D FODLP XSRQ ZKLFK UHOLHI FDQ EH JUDQWHG ´ NQRZQ LQ OHJDO FLUFOHV DV D E

PRWLRQ WR GLVPLVV UHIHUULQJ to a section of the North Carolina Rules of Civil 3URFHGXUH ZKHQ WKH DVVRFLDWLRQ VXHG IRUPHU 7UHDVXUHU Moore under the Public Records Act. SEANC filed the lawsuit in February 2008 following nearly a year of incomplete answers to public UHFRUGV UHTXHVWV ,Q 0DUFK DQG 2FWREHU RI 6($1& made public records requests following a slew of media WKDW UDLVHG ³SD\ WR SOD\´ TXHVWLRQV UHJDUGLQJ WKH VWDWH 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 WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 3UHVV $VVRFLDWLRQ 1&3$ ZKRVH members make public records requests similar to 6($1&œV ZLWK D )ULHQG RI WKH &RXUW EULHI ,Q WKHLU EULHI 1&3$ DQG 1&$% DUJXH WKDW LI OLPLWHG E\ WKH W\SH RI SXEOLF UHFRUGV UHTXHVWV WKH\ DUH DEOH WR PDNH ³LQFOXGLQJ GLVFORVXUHV RI GRFXPHQWV UHSRUWHUV EHOLHYH H[LVW EXW FDQQRW OLVW E\ QDPH DW WKH SOHDGLQJ VWDJH WKH public’s knowledge of its government will suffer.� ³7KLV DSSHDO LV LPSRUWDQW EHFDXVH WKH UHFRUGV sought will help SEANC determine if investment decisions were possibly based on politics rather than WKH EHVW LQWHUHVW RI UHWLUHPHQW V\VWHP PHPEHUV ´ VDLG SEANC General Counsel Tom Harris.

1R PDWWHU WKH RXWFRPH RI WKLV FDVH LWÂśV FOHDU WKDW 1RUWK &DUROLQD QHHGV WR HQG WKH VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ V\VWHP ZKHUH one person makes all the investment decisions. Less than D KDQGIXO RI VWDWHV VWLOO XVH D VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ WR RYHUVHH their pension funds. SEANC has been the leading voice WR PRYH 1RUWK &DUROLQD IURP D VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ V\VWHP WR RQH ZKHUH D ERDUG PDNHV LQYHVWPHQW GHFLVLRQV 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 FRQWLQXHV WR EH D ZDWFKGRJ IRU \RXU UHWLUHPHQW EHQHÂżWV Previously the North Carolina Court of Appeals UXOHG DJDLQVW 6($1& LQ D GHFLVLRQ LQ 1RYHPEHU saying those requesting public records should list the documents by name. The decision was perplexing to SEANC attorneys who prepared documents asking IRU VSHFLÂżF GRFXPHQWV WKDW WKH DVVRFLDWLRQ KDG \HW WR UHFHLYH $V D UHVXOW 6($1&ÂśV %RDUG RI *RYHUQRUV voted to appeal that ruling during its November meeting.

BY JIMMY DAVIS, DISTRICT 4 CHAIRMAN

Stop Talking, Start Acting: See you at Lobby Day June 8

BY

MARY ADELAIDE BELL

Public Records Suit Heads to Supreme Court

P UBLICATION OF THE S TATE E MPLOYEES A SSOCIATION OF N ORTH C AROLINA s M AY 2010 s V OL . 28 N O . 3 s C IRCULATION 55,000

State Employees Association of North Carolina P.O. Drawer 27727 Raleigh, NC 27611

THE

Raleigh, NC

PAID Periodical Postage

COLUMNS

President’s Message

BY TONY SMITH

Time to Gear Up for the Legislative Session

Counselor’s Comments

BY TOM HARRIS

SEE-nik. Hard to say. Easy to join.

7KH IDOWHULQJ HFRQRP\ KDV OHG PDQ\ SHRSOH WR ORRN IRU ³HDV\´ PRQH\ EH LW E\ ZD\ RI WKH VWDWH ORWWHU\ ZKLFK LV OHJLWLPDWH RU WKURXJK RIIHUV ZH JHW WKURXJK WKH PDLO SKRQH RU ,QWHUQHW PDQ\ RI ZKLFK DUH VFDPV +HUH DUH D FRXSOH RI VFDPV WR watch out for that use counterfeit or fake checks.

Check overpayment scams target consumers VHOOLQJ FDUV RU RWKHU YDOXDEOH LWHPV WKURXJK FODVVLÂżHG DGV RU RQOLQH DXFWLRQ VLWHV 8QVXVSHFWLQJ VHOOHUV JHW VWXFN ZKHQ VFDPPHUV SDVV RII ERJXV FDVKLHUÂśV corporate and personal checks. The scam artist replies WR WKH DG RU SRVWLQJ RIIHUV WR SD\ IRU WKH LWHP DQG 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.

7KH VHOOHU GRHV LW DQG ODWHU ZKHQ WKH VFDPPHUœV FKHFN ERXQFHV WKH VHOOHU LV OHIW OLDEOH IRU WKH HQWLUH DPRXQW Harris In secret shopper scams, the consumer hired to be a secret shopper is asked to evaluate the effectiveness of a money transfer VHUYLFH 7KH FRQVXPHU LV JLYHQ D FKHFN WROG WR GHSRVLW LW LQ WKHLU EDQN DFFRXQW DQG ZLWKGUDZ WKH DPRXQW LQ FDVK 7KHQ WKH FRQVXPHU LV WROG WR WDNH WKH FDVK WR WKH PRQH\ WUDQVIHU VHUYLFH VSHFL¿HG DQG W\SLFDOO\ WR VHQG WKH WUDQVIHU WR D SHUVRQ LQ D &DQDGLDQ FLW\ 7KHQ WKH FRQVXPHU LV VXSSRVHG WR HYDOXDWH WKHLU H[SHULHQFH EXW 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? 8QGHU IHGHUDO ODZ EDQNV PXVW PDNH IXQGV DYDLODEOH WR \RX IURP 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 7UHDVXU\ FKHFNV RI¿FLDO EDQN FKHFNV FDVKLHUœV FHUWL¿HG DQG WHOOHUV FKHFNV DQG FKHFNV SDLG E\ JRYHUQPHQW DJHQFLHV DW WKH RSHQLQJ RI WKH GD\ DIWHU \RX GHSRVLW WKH FKHFN )RU RWKHU FKHFNV EDQNV PXVW VLPLODUO\ PDNH WKH ¿UVW DYDLODEOH WKH GD\ DIWHU \RX GHSRVLW WKH check. The remaining funds are available on the second day after the deposit if SD\DEOH E\ D ORFDO EDQN DQG ZLWKLQ ¿YH GD\V LI GUDZQ RQ GLVWDQW EDQNV +RZHYHU MXVW EHFDXVH IXQGV DUH DYDLODEOH RQ D FKHFN \RXœYH GHSRVLWHG GRHV QRW mean the check is good. It’s best not to rely on money from any type of check unless \RX NQRZ DQG WUXVW WKH SHUVRQ \RX DUH GHDOLQJ ZLWK RU XQWLO WKH EDQN FRQ¿UPV WKDW WKH FKHFN KDV FOHDUHG 7KH ERWWRP OLQH LV WKDW XQWLO WKH EDQN FRQ¿UPV WKDW WKH IXQGV IURP WKH FKHFN KDYH EHHQ GHSRVLWHG LQWR \RXU DFFRXQW \RX DUH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU DQ\ funds you withdraw against that account.

If you think you’re a victim or have been targeted E\ D FRXQWHUIHLW FKHFN VFDP UHSRUW LW WR WKH IROORZLQJ DJHQFLHV 7KH )HGHUDO 7UDGH &RPPLVVLRQ DW ZZZ IWF JRY RU )7& +(/3 WKH 8 6 3RVWDO 6HUYLFH DW ZZZ XVSV JRY ZHEVLWHV GHSDUW LQVSHFW RU FDOO \RXU ORFDO SRVW RI¿FH RU WKH &RQVXPHU 3URWHFWLRQ 'LYLVLRQ RI WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDOœV 2I¿FH DW 12 6&$0 $V VWDWH HPSOR\HHV DQG UHWLUHHV ZH NQRZ WKHUH LV QR HDV\ PRQH\ VR LI \RX UHFHLYH DQ RIIHU WKDW ORRNV WRR JRRG WR EH WUXH FKDQFHV DUH LW LV

7KH 1RUWK &DUROLQD *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ UHFRQYHQHV RQ :HGQHVGD\ 0D\ DQG 6($1& /REE\ 'D\ LV 7XHVGD\ -XQH 7KHVH DUH WZR LPSRUWDQW dates that I want y’all to keep in mind over the coming weeks. We have a lot RI ZRUN WR GR DQG , LQYLWH \RX WR MRLQ PH DW WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ RQ -XQH IRU 6($1& /REE\ 'D\ WR KHOS JHW LW GRQH 7KLV \HDU LV D VKRUW OHJLVODWLYH VHVVLRQ EXW LW is also an election year. This means we have less WLPH WR DFKLHYH RXU OHJLVODWLYH JRDOV DQG ZH ZLOO 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 D 0DUFK 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH LW ZDV Smith reported that the state is forecasting another EXGJHW VKRUWIDOO ZKLFK PHDQV WKDW VWDWH HPSOR\HHV DQG WHDFKHUV VKRXOGQœW expect pay raises.

We need to make our presence known to the ladies and gentlemen on -RQHV 6WUHHW $V EXGJHW LWHPV DUH UHYLHZHG ZH QHHG WR HQVXUH WKDW WKH\ 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. :H KDYH PDGH JDLQV WKLV \HDU EXW ZH VWLOO KDYH ZRUN WR GR :H KDYH JDLQHG WKH ULJKW WR PHHW DQG FRQIHU WKURXJK ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU EXW ZH VWLOO QHHG WR OREE\ RXU OHJLVODWRUV WR UHSHDO * 6 † )HGHUDO KHDOWK FDUH UHIRUP SDVVHG DQG ZDV VLJQHG LQWR ODZ EXW WKH 6WDWH +HDOWK 3ODQ LV VWLOO 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 /REE\ 'D\ LQ -XQH ZH QHHG DOO WKH UHWLUHHV DV ZHOO 0DQ\ LPSRUWDQW UHWLUHH LVVXHV ZLOO DOVR EH WDNHQ XS LQ WKLV VKRUW VHVVLRQ 'XULQJ WKH VHVVLRQ ELOOV ZHUH LQWURGXFHG WR JLYH HTXDO WD[ WUHDWPHQW IRU DOO JRYHUQPHQW HPSOR\HHV ZKLFK ZRXOG SURYLGH VWDWH WD[ H[HPSWLRQ IRU DOO UHWLUHHV DQG WR FKDQJH 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.

6R OHWœV JHW JHDUHG XS IRU WKLV OHJLVODWLYH VHVVLRQ ,W PD\ EH VKRUW EXW ZH can make sure it’s productive. Let’s all come together to raise our voices on -XQH DQG OHW WKH OHJLVODWXUH NQRZ ZH PHDQ EXVLQHVV

Making benefits count for SEANC Members!

SEANC members enjoy the convenience of using Colonial Life’s Call Center to apply for coverage over the phone with one of our Benefit Representatives.

Providing quality and affordable insurance to SEANC members for over 30 years.

We appreciate doing business with you!

New for North Carolina Retirees!

Here’s What to Do: Visit the Colonial Life website or obtain a SEANC Handbook for specific product information you’ll need prior to calling the Call Center.

Dial the Benefit Enrollment Call Center toll free at

1.866.265.3599.

Colonial Life Products: https://www.coloniallife.com/callcenter

Cancer Insurance (with optional $5,000 initial diagnosis benefit)

Critical Illness Insurance (up to $10,000 in benefits, with no taxes being due at the point of claim)

Hospital Confinement Indemnity Insurance (offered on a guaranteed issue basis) Raleigh Area: Danny Cotten 919.552.8584 jwcj2@earthlink.net

Whole Life Insurance

Policies have exclusions and limitations that may affect benefits payable.

Statewide: Ken Lang 1.888.SEANC 4 U (toll free) klang@roberttaylorgroup.com

Please call us if we can be of service.

71750-1

02/10

Colonial Life products are underwritten by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, for which Colonial Life is the marketing brand.

Colonial Life 1200 Colonial Life Boulevard Columbia, South Carolina 29210 coloniallife.com

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STATEWIDE SALES AND SERVICE

&DVK 3RLQWV

Fran Albritton, LUTCF Locust, NC

*OREDO

+HUH 7KHUH

(YHU\ZKHUH

Rob Jernigan Fayetteville, NC

Will Walters Fayetteville, NC

John Hill New Bern, NC

Jeff Tate Henderson, NC

Chris Harris Greenville, NC

Page Simpson Raleigh, NC

Steve Hamilton, LUTCF Barnardsville, NC

Shelley Kittrell Sanford, NC

Junior Edge Fayetteville, NC

Scott Kittrell Sanford, NC

Ty Cobb, CFP Angier, NC

Kevin Hill New Bern, NC

(just outside the General Assembly building)

PUBLIC POLICY

'RXJ 6XWWRQ

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SEANC CHIEF OF STAFF/GENERAL COUNSEL

Beware of Scams in Economic Downturn

tharris@seanc.org

tsmith@seanc.org

bly building)

Join Us for SEANC Lobby Day June 8, 2010 U 10:00 a.m. U Halifax Mall, Raleigh

Šƒ–‡˜‡” ›‘—” †‡•–‹Â?ƒ–‹‘Â?ÇĄ ǯ• ƒ•Š ‘‹Â?–• Ž‘„ƒŽ ‹• –Š‡ ’‡”ˆ‡…– …Š‘‹…‡ ˆ‘” ›‘—” –”ƒ˜‡Ž Â?‡‡†•Ǥ Â?‘–Š‡” ƒŽ–‡”Â?ƒ–‹˜‡ –‘ ›‘—” •–ƒÂ?†ƒ”† †‡„‹– ƒÂ?† …”‡†‹– …ƒ”†• ÇŚ ĥÂ? ƒ„‘—– ‹– –‘†ƒ›Ǩ

A L L S E A N C M E M B E R S & S TAT E E M P L O Y E E S I N V I T E D !

Ron Jackson Raleigh, NC

Chris Woodby Burnsville, NC Mark Younts Salisbury, NC

3527(&7,9( /,)(

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.

NC State Employees Service Office 8364 Six Forks Road Suite 200 Raleigh, NC 27615 Toll Free 800-334-1217 Local 919-844-1777 www.ncbenefits.com

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For more information, please contact Tiffany Woodard at 800-222-2758 or twoodard@seanc.org.

All State E

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THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

10

7

2

15

continued on page 3 WILSON ¹ 2Q -DQXDU\ HPSOR\HHV RI WKH (DVWHUQ 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6FKRRO IRU WKH 'HDI LQ :LOVRQ WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6FKRRO IRU WKH 'HDI LQ Morganton and the Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh received reduction-in-force (RIF) letters IURP WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI +HDOWK DQG +XPDQ 6HUYLFHV '++6 2I¿FH RI (GXFDWLRQ 6HUYLFHV 2(6 DQG ZHUH JLYHQ XQWLO -DQXDU\ WR DFFHSW UHGXFHG KRXUV and pay or to decline the offer and lose their jobs. ³,WœV D VDIHW\ LVVXH ´ VDLG 6($1& 'LVWULFW PHPEHU 5XG\ &URRP D IRUPHU VWXGHQW DQG FXUUHQW HPSOR\HH LQ :LOVRQ ZKR FDPH WR 6($1& IRU KHOS 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 WKH GRUPV FUHDWHV D KXJH VDIHW\ KD]DUG IRU H[DPSOH LI D ¿UH ZHUH WR KDSSHQ LW ZRXOG EH GLI¿FXOW WR JHW 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 FXW WKH 6XQGD\ HYHQLQJ VKLIW DQG FKLOGUHQ QRZ DUH bussed in on Monday mornings. Ninety percent of the school’s students are residential.

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'XH WR WKH OD\RIIV DQG UHGXFHG KRXUV WKHUH DUH IHZHU HPSOR\HHV WR GR WKH VDPH DPRXQW RI ZRUN DQG PDQ\ DUH WDNLQJ RQ DGGLWLRQDO GXWLHV VXFK DV WHDFKHUV KHOSLQJ LQ WKH GRUPV ³2I FRXUVH IRU RXU ORYH RI WKH FKLOGUHQ ZH GR LW ´ DGGHG &URRP RQ 0DUFK QRWLQJ WKDW PRUDOH KDV GHFOLQHG DQG D crisis situation is looming.

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Group Code: SNC2191 Visit www.SEANC.PurchasingPower.com or call 800-903-0703 Go online today to see the latest products Purchasing Power has to offer!

Purchasing Power is a unique member benefit program, which helps you purchase the new, brand-name computers, electronics and home appliances you want and need for you and your family through the ease of payroll deduction.

Use payroll deduction for all your important purchases.

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Visit www.seanc.org and click “saveâ€? or contact Â‹ĆĄÂƒÂ?› ‘‘†ƒ”† ƒ– Â–Â™Â‘Â‘Â†ÂƒÂ”Â†ĚťÂ•Â‡ÂƒÂ?…Ǥ‘”‰ ‘” Í Í˜Í˜ÇŚÍšÍšÍšÇŚÍšÍ&#x;Í?Í Ç¤ ƒÂ?† ƒ”‡ Â?‘– ”‡•’‘Â?•‹„Ž‡ ˆ‘” Ž‘•– –‹…Â?‡–•Ǥ ‘ –‹…Â?‡– ”‡ˆ—Â?†• ‘” ‡š…ŠƒÂ?‰‡•Ǥ ‡‡ Â‘ĆĽÂ…Â‹ÂƒÂŽ –Š‡Â?‡ ’ƒ”Â? ‡„ •‹–‡• ˆ‘” …Š‹Ž† –‹…Â?‡– ’”‹…‡• ƒÂ?† Š‡‹‰Š– ”‡“—‹”‡Â?‡Â?–•ǥ ’ƒ”Â? …ƒŽ‡Â?†ƒ”• ƒÂ?† Š‘—”• ‘ˆ ‘’‡”ƒ–‹‘Â?Ǥ

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employees of the state’s three schools for deaf and blind students. of your paycheck or your job. Unfortunately, this choice was a reality for

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Imagine you have a week to make a choice: lose up to 20 percent ‘•™‡ŽŽǥ ÂŠÂƒÂ”ÂŽÂ‘Â–Â–Â‡ÇĄ

BY ERICA BALDWIN

Deaf Schools Face Harsh Cuts Affecting Student Safety

‹ŽŽ‹ƒÂ?•„—”‰ǥ

ƒÂ?† –Š‡ –ƒ–‡ Â?’Ž‘›‡‡•ǯ ”‡†‹– Â?‹‘Â? Šƒ˜‡ –‡ƒÂ?‡† —’ ‘Â?…‡ ƒ‰ƒ‹Â? –‘ ‘ƥ‡” Â?‡Â?„‡”• –Š‡Â?‡ ’ƒ”Â? –‹…Â?‡– †‹•…‘—Â?–•Ǥ ‹…Â?‡–• ƒ”‡ ‘Â? •ƒŽ‡ –Š”‘—‰Š ‡’–Ǥ ͛͘ ƒ– ƒŽŽ „”ƒÂ?…Š Ž‘…ƒ–‹‘Â?• ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ‡Â?–”ƒŽ Ƽ…‡Ǥ

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PUBLIC POLICY

MEMBER ACTION

MEMBER ANNUAL ACTION MEETINGS* DISTRICT

PUBLIC POLICY

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 ofďŹ cers, Policy Platform Objectives, SEANC Bylaws and more. To ďŹ nd out your district number, go to www.seanc.org under “Quick Links.â€? Contact your district ofďŹ cers to conďŹ rm the meeting dates, times and locations as they are subject to change, or check the calendar of events at www.seanc.org.

Dist.

-XQH

Time 6:00 p.m.

Location -DFNVRQ &RXQW\ &RPPXQLW\ 6HUYLFHV %XLOGLQJ 538 Scotts Creek Rd.

City

Dinner

Sylva

Yes

District Chairperson Teddy Greene - tgreene@ncdot.gov

2

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3

Bob Gibbard - gibbardro@appstate.edu

-LPP\ 'DYLV VHDQFBG #\DKRR FRP

5

May 18

6:00 p.m.

:HVWHUQ 3LHGPRQW &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJH /HDUQLQJ 5HVRXUFH &HQWHU 5P %XUNHPRQW $YH

Morganton

6

-XO\

5:30 p.m.

Broughton Hospital Chapel Assembly Room 1000 S. Sterling St.

Morganton

7

May 25

5:15 p.m.

- ,YHUVRQ 5LGGOH 'HYHORSPHQW &HQWHU *\P 300 Enola Rd.

Morganton

Yes

-XQH

6:30 p.m.

%DUEDUD /HDWKHUPDQÂśV +RXVH : 1& +Z\

Newton

Yes

Yes

Wayne Freeman - Wayne.Freeman@ncmail.net

8

Melissa Freeman - mfreeman@wpcc.edu

Scott McMahan - rutherfordtonheel@yahoo.com Larry Brent Reeves - brentreeve@charter.net Barbara Leatherman - leatherlee@charter.net .HQ %HDYHU END #GRF VWDWH QF XV

10 11

May 18

6:30 p.m.

$QVRQ &RXQW\ '27 0DLQWHQDQFH %XLOGLQJ 1015 Old Prison Camp Rd.

12

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

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Polkton

Yes

6LGQH\ 6DQG\ VDQGPDQ VHDQF#DRO FRP

Charlotte

Yes

-HDQ 0DUWLQ PDULO\Q PDUWLQ #\DKRR FRP

13

Sue Eldridge - eldridgem@bellsouth.net

16

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

:LQVWRQ 6DOHP 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ 'LJJV *DOOHU\ 6 0DUWLQ /XWKHU .LQJ -U 'U

17

May 17

6:00 p.m.

18

-XQH

20

Winston-Salem

Yes

Linda Moore - lmoore@ncdot.gov

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Gibsonville

Yes

'DQ (ÂżUG GHÂżUGMU#WULDG UU FRP

6:30 p.m.

6KRQH\ÂśV ( %URDG $YH

Rockingham

Yes

Pamela Locklear - lpj02@doc.state.nc.us

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

2:$6$ %XLOGLQJ -RQHV )HUU\ 5G

Carrboro

Yes

Marie Tate - marie.tate@orange.k12.nc.us

-XQH

D P

7%'

21

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

South Granville Administration Building 6 &DPSXV 'U

Creedmoor

22

-XQH

7:00 p.m.

3HDGHQÂśV 6HDIRRG 0F$UWKXU 5G

Fayetteville

Yes

Michele Shaw - micheleshaw22@gmail.com

23

May 20

7:00 p.m.

6W 3DXOV &RPPXQLW\ %XLOGLQJ 1 UG 6W

St. Pauls

Yes

-HUHP\ 5HJLVWHU MJU #\PDLO FRP

May 20

6:00 p.m.

Columbus County Cooperative Extension *RYHUQPHQW &RPSOH[ 5G

Cliff Brown - seanc2@nc.rr.com -RHO 9DOHQWLQH MRHO YDOHQWLQH#QFGHQU JRY

Whiteville

The expected savings from these cuts is $1 PLOOLRQ D VPDOO VOLFH RI '++6œ ELOOLRQ EXGJHW Employees at the deaf schools expressed outrage DERXW WKH JURZLQJ DGPLQLVWUDWLYH VWDII ZKLOH WKHLU 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. ³:H DUH XQGHU WKH KDQGV RI SHRSOH ZKR NQRZ QRWKLQJ RI GHDI HGXFDWLRQ ´ VDLG &URRP ³:RXOG ZH JR WR D ODZ\HU IRU PHGLFDO SUREOHPV" 1R ZH JR where we get the appropriate services. It’s almost as if OES has turned a deaf ear to deaf education.�

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schools are the types of issues SEANC expects to take up in meet and confer meetings outlined by the executive order. $V RI SUHVV WLPH 6($1& KDG PHHWLQJV VFKHGXOHG with the Morganton deaf school and the blind school in Raleigh to hear employees’ concerns. ³7KLV LV FOHDUO\ D EDFN GRRU DSSURDFK WR VKXWWLQJ down or merging the three schools – a proposal that failed in last year’s House budget with good UHDVRQ ´ VDLG 6($1& /HJLVODWLYH $IIDLUV 'LUHFWRU Ardis Watkins. ³7KH VWDWH QHHGV WR ORRN EH\RQG GROODUV DQG FHQWV ´ FRQWLQXHG :DWNLQV ³7KH\ QHHG WR OLVWHQ WR the parents and employees who care for and educate children with special needs and circumstances.�

training in the residence halls as well. Members of WKH GHDI FRPPXQLW\ KDYH WKHLU RZQ FXOWXUH RQH WKH\ DUH SURXG WR EH D SDUW RI EXW WKH\ QHHG WUDLQLQJ WR adapt to a hearing world.

Executive Order 45 Opens Door for SEANC Because SEANC represents more than 20 percent RI '++6 HPSOR\HHV WKH JRYHUQRUœV ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU DOORZV 6($1& WR PHHW ZLWK GHFLVLRQ PDNHUV LQ '++6 DQG KDYH DFFHVV WR HPSOR\HHV ZLWKLQ WKH DJHQF\ 7KH PHHWLQJV H[SHFWHG TXDUWHUO\ DUH IRU WKH SXUSRVH RI ³LPSURYLQJ HPSOR\HH PDQDJHPHQW UHODWLRQV DQG LPSURYLQJ VHUYLFHV WR WKH SXEOLF ´ DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH executive order.

The budget cuts affecting the deaf and blind

ebaldwin@seanc.org

Great Coverage Starts with Blue

-RQDWKDQ 6WHSKHQVRQ VWHSKHMD#HPDLO XQF HGX

26

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

3RON &RUUHFWLRQDO ,QVWLWXWLRQ 9HD]H\ 5G

Butner

6WDF\ 'RZG\ GVO #GRF VWDWH QF XV

27

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

7%'

'XUKDP

Gracie LaSane - gracie_lesane@msn.com

Raleigh

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SM

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36 37

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

1&'27 (TXLSPHQW 'HSRW &KLHI (QJLQHHUÂśV &RQI 5P %HU\O 5G

38

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

6($1& &HQWUDO 2IÂżFH 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH

Raleigh

& - 6WHSKHQV FMVWHSKHQV#QF UU FRP

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

0F.LPPRQ &HQWHU *RUPDQ 6W

Raleigh

Art Anthony - araleighwood@netscape.com

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 AdvantageÂŽ is the program that gives you exibility, convenience and options to ďŹ t your budget and your lifestyle.

April Graham - dat01@doc.state.nc.us

)UDQN %URZQ EIH GLVW #\DKRR FRP -XQH

5:30 p.m.

6($1& &HQWUDO 2IÂżFH 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH

%HWW\ -RQHV EHWW\ MRQHV#GKKV QF JRY

Raleigh

%UHQGD -RKQVRQ EUHQGDMRKQVRQ#QFGRW JRY

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

/RJDQÂśV 5RDGKRXVH 7LPEHU 'U (

Garner

Yes

Bruce Garner - bhgarner@yahoo.com

May 26

6:00 p.m.

/RJDQÂśV 5RDGKRXVH 7LPEHU 'U (

Garner

Yes

-RKQ :LOOLDPV ZLOOLDPV #EHOOVRXWK QHW

6KDURQ 'REVRQ VKDURQGREVRQ#EHOOVRXWK QHW

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

6($1& &HQWUDO 2IÂżFH 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH

56

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

&DUROLQD 5HVWDXUDQW ( WK 6W

57

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

3DUNHUÂśV %DUEHFXH 86 +Z\ 6

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Raleigh

Plan A: s $15 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions

Plan B: s $25 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions after $200 deductible

Plan C: s $30 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions after $500 deductible

Roanoke Rapids

Yes

0LFKDHO -RKQVRQ MPD #GRF VWDWH QF XV

Wilson

Yes

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6PLWKÂżHOG

Yes

Eddie Brogden - bje03@doc.state.nc.us

Charlotte Area

Triad Area

Wilmington Area

-RKQ 0LOOHU -RKQ 0LOOHU#QFPDLO QHW

Authorized Agents

Authorized Agents

Carolyn Sutton - carolynm@earthlink.net

VAN TAYLOR NANCY MORRIS MATT HEMBY RON TUCKER

TODD PARHAM LORI PARHAM

www.bluechipins.com 800-914-4220

58

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

Holt Lake Bar-B-Que & Seafood 86 +Z\ 6RXWK

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6:00 p.m.

&KHUU\ +RVSLWDO &RQIHUHQFH &HQWHU 6WHYHQV 0LOO 5G

Goldsboro

Yes

60

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6:00 p.m.

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Goldsboro

Yes

61

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7:00 p.m.

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Burgaw

Blue Chip Insurance Agency

Ricky Rivenbark - rickybark22@hotmail.com

62

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63

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Williamston

Yes

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6:30 p.m.

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Greenville

Yes

Gene Mills - tylerstormspring@gmail.com

65

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5:30 p.m.

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Greenville

Yes

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66

May 20

6:30 p.m.

TBA

.LQVWRQ

Yes

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Robert Barnhill - rbarnhill@ec.rr.com

67

Bill Boyle - wboyle@suddenlink.net

68

Rita Woods - lra01@doc.state.nc.us

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6:00 p.m.

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70

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6:30 p.m.

*ROGHQ &RUUDO :HVW 9HUQRQ $YH

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Yes

Arvis Sutton - asutton1253@yahoo.com

71

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6:00 p.m.

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Wilson

Yes

Stuart Glover - comanchecreekllc@yahoo.com

704-527-4220 or 800-286-4220

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336-996-0909 or 866-907-0909

Authorized Agents

RONALD SHEFFIELD 910-686-8761 DIANE SHEFFIELD 910-686-8762

Contact your authorized Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina agent for costs and further details of coverage, limitations, exclusions and terms under which the policy may be continued in force. An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ÂŽ Mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

SM Mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U2082m, 5/06

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

14

Small Savings, Big SacriďŹ ces

Terry Baker - ghostbuster151@yahoo.com

25

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 beneďŹ t employees and citizens who use state services, such as the deaf school.

3

6

1

Date

PHOTOS BY MATT HANDS, WILSON TIMES

* As of press time.

11

Call 800-222-2758 to sign up today or go to www.seanc.org.

Because they just saved $841 by using SEANC’s Spectera Vision Insurance. These rates are available to SEANC members only.

Why are Suzanne and Henry looking through rose-colored glasses?

3UHVLGHQW RI WKH 1 & 6WDWH 5HWLUHHV &OXE -DPHV 0RUJDQ FOXE PHPEHU 5HY 6DUD 0RUJDQ FHQWHU DQG 'LVWULFW PHPEHU DQG SDVW SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 1 & 6WDWH 5HWLUHHV &OXE 6KLUOH\ 3HUU\ ULJKW GLVSOD\ VWRFNLQJV WKH\ GLVWULEXWHG WR UHVLGHQWV of the Central Heights community in Goldsboro.

N.C. State Retirees Hold a Christmas Party PHOTO BY ORIE HENRY JR.

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“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.â€? 6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH RQ ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU LQ WKH )HE 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH Âł3HUGXH SEANC speaks for state workers.â€? “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.â€?

6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH LQ WKH 0DUFK 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH Âł6DODU\ KLVWRULHV NHSW IURP SXEOLF ´ “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.â€?

6($1& /HJLVODWLYH $IIDLUV 'LUHFWRU $UGLV :DWNLQV RQ WKH EXGJHW FXWV DW WKH (DVWHUQ 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6FKRRO IRU WKH 'HDI LQ WKH 0DUFK :5$/ UHSRUW ³%XGJHW VKRUWIDOO DIIHFWLQJ VHUYLFHV DW VWDWH VFKRROV ´

“Everybody here plays an important role. And you start cutting people, you might start losing quality down the line.�

6($1& 'LVWULFW PHPEHU 0DXUHHQ +RZDUG D 'HSDUWPHQW RI 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ HPSOR\HH RQ 1HZV &DUROLQDœV $SULO UHSRUW ³&RQWLQXHG EXGJHW VKRUWIDOOV FRQFHUQ VWDWH HPSOR\HHV ´

)RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH 'RQ -RQHV 0HPRULDO *ROI 7RXUQDPHQW SOHDVH FRQWDFW 5HWLUHHV 'LUHFWRU 0LWFK /HRQDUG DW RU POHRQDUG#VHDQF RUJ sbmclamb@seanc.org

“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?â€? 6($1& $VVLVWDQW 'LUHFWRU of Communications Erica Baldwin in the Feb. 26 News & Observer DUWLFOH Âł+HDOWK SODQ RI 1 & EHDW LWV QHLJKERUVÂś ´ “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.â€? SEANC Executive 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH LQ WKH 0DUFK 1HZV &DUROLQD UHSRUW Âł6WDWH HPSOR\HHV JR WR ' & WR SURWHVW LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQLHV ´

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Quotes to Note PUBLIC POLICY

Want to see more SEANC in the News? Check out www.seanc.org under “News�

'RQ -RQHV 0HPRULDO *ROI 7RXUQDPHQW

6($1& LV H[FLWHG WR DQQRXQFH -DPHV 9DXJKDQ RI 'LVWULFW DV WKH QHZ HDVWHUQ region member action coordinator. A native of 0DUWLQ &RXQW\ 9DXJKDQ KDV EHHQ D PHPEHU RI 6($1& VLQFH DQG KDV VHUYHG DV KLV GLVWULFWœV FKDLUPDQ IRU VHYHQ \HDUV YLFH chairman for three years and eastern region representative to the Executive Committee for RQH DQG D KDOI \HDUV DPRQJ RWKHU SRVLWLRQV 8SRQ KLV KLULQJ 9DXJKDQ VWDWHG ³6($1& 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.�

3ULRU WR DFFHSWLQJ KLV SRVLWLRQ ZLWK 6($1& 9DXJKDQ SURXGO\ VHUYHG WKH state of North Carolina as an assistant superintendent for programs at Tyrrell Prison Work Farm.

BY SARA BETH MCLAMB

Vaughan Named Eastern Member Action Coordinator MEMBER ACTION

Cherry Hospital Christmas Parade 'LVWULFW &KDLUPDQ -RKQ 0LOOHU EDFNJURXQG DQG 9LFH &KDLUPDQ 3DXO %XGD\ IRUHJURXQG UHSUHVHQWHG SEANC in the Cherry Hospital Christmas Parade. ³7KHVH DUH WZR JUHDW SHRSOH WR EH DURXQG DQG they are very dedicated and proud supporters of 6($1& ´ 'LVWULFW PHPEHU 2ULH +HQU\ -U VDLG RI Miller and Buday.

'LVWULFW PHPEHUV $QJHOD /\JKW OHIW DQG ,QHWKD &RXVLQ MRLQHG RWKHU YROXQWHHUV LQ &KDSHO +LOO RQ -DQ 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.

BY

Hearing our collective voice through the Policy Platform

Want to get your weekly SEANC Scoop with updates to your inbox containing the latest news about legislation affecting your pay, health care and retirement?

District meetings begin the Policy Platform process 'LVWULFW DQQXDO PHHWLQJV EHJLQ LQ 0D\ VR now is the time to turn our recommendations for change into formal Policy Platform objectives.

6($1& SURYLGHV D IRUPDW IRU WKLV SXUSRVH ZKLFK \RX ZLOO ÂżQG DW KWWS ZZZ VHDQF RUJ GRFV PolicyPlatformObjectiveForm.pdf.

7R EH VXFFHVVIXO UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV VKRXOG 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 D UDWLRQDOH DVN \RXUVHOI D IHZ TXHVWLRQV KRZ ZLOO WKLV UHFRPPHQGDWLRQ LI DGRSWHG LPSURYH WKH VWDWHœV HIIRUWV WR UHFUXLW RU UHWDLQ D TXDOL¿HG workforce or improve a workplace practice? Will it give rise to cost savings? Will it improve the delivery of a public service?

Need help?

(DFK GLVWULFW KDV D 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP FKDLUSHUVRQ 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 You Members formulate policy ideas to present at district annual meetings.

2010

Contact Us for a Free Analysis & Comparison to the State’s Options Every Dollar Counts –Today More than Ever 3URGXFHUV )LQDQFLDO 1HWZRUN ,QF 800-562-8019 ZZZ PD[SHQVLRQSODQ FRP

APRIL

MAY

Statewide Policy Platform Meeting All 53 districts’ Policy Platform chairmen meet to vote on policy objectives approved at district annual meetings. Approved policy objectives are forwarded to convention delegates for a vote.

JUNE

District Annual Meetings Members present policy ideas for a vote. Approved ideas are forwarded to the statewide Policy Platform meeting.

Send us your e-mail address!

Go to www.seanc.org and click “E-mail alerts� on the bottom of the page or e-mail Carri Derrick at cderrick@seanc.org.

The Pension Maximization Plan includes life insurance; benefits paid to beneficiaries would be considered death benefits, paid out monthly for life, and would be mostly income tax free.

You must qualify medically for the insurance.

PUBLIC POLICY

KAY HOVIOUS, CHAIRWOMAN OF THE POLICY PLATFORM/PERSONNEL BENEFITS COMMITTEE

In order to protect and enhance the rights and EHQH¿WV RI FXUUHQW UHWLUHG DQG IXWXUH VWDWH HPSOR\HHV WKH 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP DOVR UHIHUUHG WR DV 6($1&œV ³3ODQ RI $FWLRQ ´ RXWOLQHV WKH SROLFLHV DQG REMHFWLYHV 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.

'XULQJ WKHLU )HEUXDU\ PHHWLQJ 'LVWULFW PHPEHUV FROOHFWHG SRXQGV RI IRRG WR GRQDWH WR WKH Shepherd’s Staff. The Shepherd’s Staff is located in Spruce Pine and provides food assistance to those in QHHG 3LFWXUHG DERYH DUH 'LVWULFW PHPEHUV 5KRQGD 5RELQVRQ OHIW DQG -HQQLIHU 9DQFH ZLWK VRPH RI WKH donated items.

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 DWWHQWLRQ RI WKRVH ZLWK WKH DXWKRULW\ WR HQDFW FKDQJH QDPHO\ WKH JRYHUQRU DQG WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\

THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS MAY 12.

Retiring?

You’ll Have To Make Your Payout Choice from the Retirement System’s 6 Options

Have You Thought All Those Option Choices Through Yet? Be Careful That You Make An Informed Decision About the Joint & Survivor Choice It’s the Option most everybody chooses‌never comparison shops‌. and overpays for‌

&KRRVH WKH 0D[LPXP 3D\RXW 2SWLRQ ZKLFK 3D\V <RX 0RUH WKDQ WKH 6WDWHÂśV -RLQW 6XUYLYRU 3ODQ 7KLV VSHFLDOO\ GHVLJQHG 3ODQ ZLOO SURYLGH OLIHWLPH EHQHILWV IRU \RXU EHQHILFLDU\ DIWHU \RX GLH <RX ZLOO KDYH KLJKHU PRQWKO\ LQFRPH LQ PRVW FDVHV ZKHQ FRPSDUHG WR WKH -RLQW 6XUYLYRU 3ODQ

'LVWULFWV VRRQ ZLOO EHJLQ XSGDWLQJ 6($1&ÂśV 3ROLF\ Platform. This annual process begins at district-level DQQXDO PHHWLQJV KHOG HDFK VXPPHU ZKHUH PHPEHUV consider recommendations for improvements to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workplace and human resources policies and practices. An annual meeting schedule is updated GDLO\ RQ 6($1&ÂśV RQOLQH FDOHQGDU DW KWWS ZZZ VHDQF RUJ FDOHQGDU

Policy Platform is key to achieving SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission

District 3 Donates Food

Books for Troops 'LVWULFW KHOG D ERRN GULYH IRU WURRSV GHSOR\HG overseas. Mayland Community College (MCC) 9HWHUDQV &HUWLI\LQJ 2IILFLDO 5KRQGD 5RELQVRQ D 'LVWULFW PHPEHU DQG 5\DQ :KLWWLQJWRQ D 1DWLRQDO Guardsman enrolled in MCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electronics engineering SURJUDP DUH SLFWXUHG ZLWK VRPH RI WKH ERRNV WKDW ZLOO be sent to troops overseas.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER VANCE

The Pension Maximization Plan is a New Alternative Option which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offered by the Retirement System; This Plan Puts You, (instead of them), in Control of your Retirement Income, and Empowers You to: Â&#x2021;

Â&#x2021;

Â&#x2021;

Legislative Priorities at the General Assembly Begin with You Policy Platform Ideas Needed to Achieve Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Goals CONTRIBUTED BY CLAIRE MILLER

PHOTO BY BETH MORRIS

MEMBER ACTION

District 19 Helps Troops Serving Overseas PHOTO BY ORIE HENRY JR.

JULY

AUG

SEPT

Convention The week after Labor Day, more than 800 SEANC delegates debate and vote on policy objectives approved by the statewide Policy Platform Committee. Those objectives approved by a majority vote become the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan of action in the General Assembly for the upcoming year. In particular, the Top Ten Policy Platform Objectives guide the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lobbying activities.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

13

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 BeneďŹ ts 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 districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Policy Platform submission rules at www.seanc.org/about/board.aspx.

SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2009-2010 Top 10 Policy Platform Objectives (AS DETERMINED BY THE 2009 CONVENTION) 1. Seek continuation of a fully paid health care beneďŹ t for active qualiďŹ ed employees and retired employees.

2. Seek restoration of the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to the Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and State Employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 OfďŹ ce 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 beneďŹ t if an employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or retireesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 ďŹ nal 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.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

ďŹ nd SEANC on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/SEANC.SEIU.Local2008

For more information, contact Mitch Leonard at mleonard@seanc.org or register on the SEANC Web site, www.seanc.org.

PL-14889 New 1-10 Coverage, discounts, repair options and billing options are subject to state requirements and availability, individual qualiďŹ cations and/or the insuring companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underwriting guidelines. Homeowners coverage in FL is very limited and several restrictions may apply. Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and MetLife Auto & Home operate independently and are not responsible for each othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ďŹ nancial obligations. All costs associated with marketing this program are paid for by Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and MetLife Auto & Home.

Learn everything you need to know about membership recruitment, politics or retiree action, and become a more active and involved SEANC leader!

MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its afďŹ liates: Economy Fire & Casualty Company, Economy Preferred Insurance Company, Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Metropolitan Group Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and Metropolitan Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas, all with administrative home ofďŹ ces in Warwick, RI. Š 2010 MetLife Auto & Home. L0110085230[exp1212][All States] Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its afďŹ liates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA. In TX: Coverage provided by Liberty Mutual County Insurance Company. CA Department of Insurance license number: 0F52987. Minnesota Department of Insurance number 40015723. Liberty Mutual is an Equal Housing Insurer. Š 2010 Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Insurance is underwritten by The Travelers Indemnity Company or one of its property casualty afďŹ liates, One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183. In FL: Auto insurance policies are underwritten by First Floridian Auto and Home Insurance Company, The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company, or by The Travelers Commercial Insurance Company. In MA: Auto policies are underwritten by The Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts, an independent, single-state subsidiary of The Travelers Indemnity Company. In NJ: Auto insurance policies are underwritten by Travelers Auto Insurance Co. of New Jersey, a single state, independent subsidiary of The Travelers Indemnity Company. In TX: Auto insurance is offered by Travelers MGA, Inc. and underwritten by Consumers County Mutual Insurance Company. Š 2010 The Travelers Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

(Client # 101391)

1-800-524-9400

(1-800-438-6388)

1-888-695-4640

12

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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 UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ WKDW WKH PHVVDJH SURGXFW RU VHUYLFH LV DV UHSUHVHQWHG by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be OLDEOH IRU DQ\ XVH RI RU UHOLDQFH RQ DQ\ VXFK LQIRUPDWLRQ SURGXFW RU service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry DGYHUWLVHPHQWV RI DQ\ QDWXUH SROLWLFDO RU RWKHUZLVH WKDW PD\ EH YLHZHG as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.

Advertising Policy State Employees Association of North Carolina 3 2 'UDZHU Â&#x2021; 5DOHLJK 1& 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH Â&#x2021; 5DOHLJK 1& 7HOHSKRQH www.seanc.org TONI DAVIS (GLWRU ,Q &KLHI ERICA BALDWIN, Managing Editor MARY ADELAIDE BELL $VVRFLDWH (GLWRU $GYHUWLVLQJ 0DQDJHU AMBER ERNST, Associate Editor SARA BETH MCLAMB, Communications Intern

City Fayetteville Winston-Salem Asheville

1 800 GET-MET 8

Date May 6-7 May 10-11 May 17-18

Request your free quotes today!

THE

sbmclamb@seanc.org %\ QRZ \RXÂśYH SUREDEO\ UHFHLYHG \RXU FHQVXV IRUP EXW KDYH \RX ÂżOOHG LW RXW DQG PDLOHG LW EDFN LQ" ,I QRW JR GR LW QRZ FHQVXV UHVXOWV LPSDFW you as a state employee more than you may know!

The census gathers population data that is XVHG WR GHWHUPLQH WKH SRSXODWLRQV RI WRZQV counties and states. That information is later used to DOORFDWH FRQJUHVVLRQDO VHDWV HOHFWRUDO YRWHV DQG WKH GLVWULEXWLRQ RI PRUH WKDQ ELOOLRQ LQ IHGHUDO IXQGV each year. The largest single recipient of that money is state governments.

That means North Carolina receives money thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used to fund the vital public services you provide Âą VXFK DV SXEOLF VDIHW\ WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG KHDOWK services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; based on census results. ,Q VWDWHV ORVW ELOOLRQ GXH WR XQGHUFRXQWV LQ WKH FHQVXV :LWK WKH UHFHQW EXGJHW GHÂżFLWV WKDWÂśV money North Carolina canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford to lose!

6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH ZDV 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 &DUROLQD WR ÂżOO RXW WKH FHQVXV TXHVWLRQQDLUH Âł7KLV \HDUÂśV FHQVXV IRUP LV TXHVWLRQV ORQJ ,WÂśV WKH VKRUWHVW LQ KLVWRU\ ´ VDLG &RSH Âł5HVSRQGLQJ WR the census is one more way SEANC members can VHUYH WKH VWDWH RI 1RUWK &DUROLQD DQG LW RQO\ WDNHV minutes.â&#x20AC;? $V RI SUHVV WLPH SHUFHQW RI 1RUWK &DUROLQD residents had returned their census forms. If you have QRW UHFHLYHG \RXU FHQVXV TXHVWLRQQDLUH \HW SOHDVH contact the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 866-872-6868.

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Here are just a few of the many advantages Group savings Money-saving discounts Convenient payment options 24/7 claim reporting Free quotes and coverage reviews

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Did you miss NOC Training in April?

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you still have three chances to attend!

Frankie Bordeaux (D)

Doug Berger * (D)

R. Benjamin Clark III (D)

Lula Crenshaw (D)

Gladys Robinson (D)

Edgecombe, Martin, Pitt

Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren

Hoke, Robeson

Cumberland

Guilford

* Incumbents Italicized Names are SEANC Members

Great time to put your beneďŹ ts to work for you!

GRE AT SAVINGS. GRE AT SERVICE. GRE AT BENEFITS North Carolina Senate Ken Waddell (D)

Bernard Allen II (D)

Jeanne Bonds (D)

Chris Heagarty * (D)

Tom Murry (R)

Elmer Floyd * (D)

Charles Graham (D)

Brunswick, Columbus

Wake

Wake

Wake

Wake

Cumberland

Robeson

Fred Foster Jr. (D)

Alma Adams * (D)

John Faircloth (R)

Pat Hurley * (R)

Shirley Randleman * (R)

Rodney Moore (D)

Mark Crawford (R)

Durham, Person

Guilford

Guilford

Randolph

Wilkes

Mecklenburg

Buncombe

North Carolina House

BY SARA BETH MCLAMB

CENSUS: Be acCOUNTed For!

SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Auto Insurance Program for SEANC Members

Get to Know Your Endorsed Candidates

PUBLIC POLICY

MEMBER ACTION

MEMBER ACTION

PUBLIC POLICY

PHOTO BY ORIE HENRY JR.

District 19 Helps Troops Serving Overseas

BY

PHOTO BY BETH MORRIS

'LVWULFW PHPEHUV $QJHOD /\JKW OHIW DQG ,QHWKD &RXVLQ MRLQHG RWKHU YROXQWHHUV LQ &KDSHO +LOO RQ -DQ 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

Books for Troops

'XULQJ WKHLU )HEUXDU\ PHHWLQJ 'LVWULFW PHPEHUV FROOHFWHG SRXQGV RI IRRG WR GRQDWH WR WKH Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Staff. The Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Staff is located in Spruce Pine and provides food assistance to those in QHHG 3LFWXUHG DERYH DUH 'LVWULFW PHPEHUV 5KRQGD 5RELQVRQ OHIW DQG -HQQLIHU 9DQFH ZLWK VRPH RI WKH donated items.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER VANCE

'LVWULFW KHOG D ERRN GULYH IRU WURRSV GHSOR\HG overseas. Mayland Community College (MCC) 9HWHUDQV &HUWLI\LQJ 2IILFLDO 5KRQGD 5RELQVRQ D 'LVWULFW PHPEHU DQG 5\DQ :KLWWLQJWRQ D 1DWLRQDO Guardsman enrolled in MCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electronics engineering SURJUDP DUH SLFWXUHG ZLWK VRPH RI WKH ERRNV WKDW ZLOO be sent to troops overseas.

THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS MAY 12.

Retiring?

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Have To Make Your Payout Choice from the Retirement Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6 Options

Have You Thought All Those Option Choices Through Yet? Be Careful That You Make An Informed Decision About the Joint & Survivor Choice Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Option most everybody choosesâ&#x20AC;Śnever comparison shopsâ&#x20AC;Ś. and overpays forâ&#x20AC;Ś The Pension Maximization Plan is a New Alternative Option which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offered by the Retirement System; This Plan Puts You, (instead of them), in Control of your Retirement Income, and Empowers You to: &KRRVH WKH 0D[LPXP 3D\RXW 2SWLRQ ZKLFK 3D\V <RX 0RUH WKDQ WKH 6WDWHÂśV -RLQW 6XUYLYRU 3ODQ 7KLV VSHFLDOO\ GHVLJQHG 3ODQ ZLOO SURYLGH OLIHWLPH EHQHILWV IRU \RXU EHQHILFLDU\ DIWHU \RX GLH <RX ZLOO KDYH KLJKHU PRQWKO\ LQFRPH LQ PRVW FDVHV ZKHQ FRPSDUHG WR WKH -RLQW 6XUYLYRU 3ODQ

Policy Platform is key to achieving SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission In order to protect and enhance the rights and EHQHÂżWV RI FXUUHQW UHWLUHG DQG IXWXUH VWDWH HPSOR\HHV WKH 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP DOVR UHIHUUHG WR DV 6($1&ÂśV Âł3ODQ RI $FWLRQ ´ RXWOLQHV WKH SROLFLHV DQG REMHFWLYHV that drive SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legislative and administrative lobbying activities. It represents our membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best thinking about how to recruit and retain the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable resource â&#x20AC;&#x201C; state employees.

Hearing our collective voice through the Policy Platform

APRIL

MAY

District Annual Meetings Members present policy ideas for a vote. Approved ideas are forwarded to the statewide Policy Platform meeting.

Send us your e-mail address!

Go to www.seanc.org and click â&#x20AC;&#x153;E-mail alertsâ&#x20AC;? on the bottom of the page or e-mail Carri Derrick at cderrick@seanc.org.

The Pension Maximization Plan includes life insurance; benefits paid to beneficiaries would be considered death benefits, paid out monthly for life, and would be mostly income tax free.

You must qualify medically for the insurance.

Policy Platform Resources

'LVWULFW DQQXDO PHHWLQJV EHJLQ LQ 0D\ VR now is the time to turn our recommendations for change into formal Policy Platform objectives.

6($1& SURYLGHV D IRUPDW IRU WKLV SXUSRVH ZKLFK \RX ZLOO ÂżQG DW KWWS ZZZ VHDQF RUJ GRFV PolicyPlatformObjectiveForm.pdf.

7R EH VXFFHVVIXO UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV VKRXOG 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 SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual convention. In developing D UDWLRQDOH DVN \RXUVHOI D IHZ TXHVWLRQV KRZ ZLOO WKLV UHFRPPHQGDWLRQ LI DGRSWHG LPSURYH WKH VWDWHÂśV HIIRUWV WR UHFUXLW RU UHWDLQ D TXDOLÂżHG workforce or improve a workplace practice? Will it give rise to cost savings? Will it improve the delivery of a public service?

(DFK GLVWULFW KDV D 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP FKDLUSHUVRQ 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 Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legislative Plan of Action

2010

3URGXFHUV )LQDQFLDO 1HWZRUN ,QF 800-562-8019 ZZZ PD[SHQVLRQSODQ FRP

District meetings begin the Policy Platform process

Need help?

State employees often identify opportunities for improving workplace practices. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 DWWHQWLRQ RI WKRVH ZLWK WKH DXWKRULW\ WR HQDFW FKDQJH QDPHO\ WKH JRYHUQRU DQG WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\

You Members formulate policy ideas to present at district annual meetings.

Contact Us for a Free Analysis & Comparison to the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Options Every Dollar Counts â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Today More than Ever

Statewide Policy Platform Meeting All 53 districtsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Policy Platform chairmen meet to vote on policy objectives approved at district annual meetings. Approved policy objectives are forwarded to convention delegates for a vote.

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

Convention The week after Labor Day, more than 800 SEANC delegates debate and vote on policy objectives approved by the statewide Policy Platform Committee. Those objectives approved by a majority vote become the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan of action in the General Assembly for the upcoming year. In particular, the Top Ten Policy Platform Objectives guide the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lobbying activities.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

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 BeneďŹ ts 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 districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Policy Platform submission rules at www.seanc.org/about/board.aspx.

SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2009-2010 Top 10 Policy Platform Objectives (AS DETERMINED BY THE 2009 CONVENTION) 1. Seek continuation of a fully paid health care beneďŹ t for active qualiďŹ ed employees and retired employees.

2. Seek restoration of the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to the Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and State Employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 OfďŹ ce 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 beneďŹ t if an employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or retireesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 ďŹ nal 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.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

5

Advertising Policy State Employees Association of North Carolina 3 2 'UDZHU Â&#x2021; 5DOHLJK 1& 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH Â&#x2021; 5DOHLJK 1& 7HOHSKRQH www.seanc.org TONI DAVIS (GLWRU ,Q &KLHI ERICA BALDWIN, Managing Editor MARY ADELAIDE BELL $VVRFLDWH (GLWRU $GYHUWLVLQJ 0DQDJHU AMBER ERNST, Associate Editor SARA BETH MCLAMB, Communications Intern

ďŹ nd SEANC on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/SEANC.SEIU.Local2008 PL-14889 New 1-10 Coverage, discounts, repair options and billing options are subject to state requirements and availability, individual qualiďŹ cations and/or the insuring companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underwriting guidelines. Homeowners coverage in FL is very limited and several restrictions may apply. Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and MetLife Auto & Home operate independently and are not responsible for each othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ďŹ nancial obligations. All costs associated with marketing this program are paid for by Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and MetLife Auto & Home.

MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its afďŹ liates: Economy Fire & Casualty Company, Economy Preferred Insurance Company, Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Metropolitan Group Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and Metropolitan Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas, all with administrative home ofďŹ ces in Warwick, RI. Š 2010 MetLife Auto & Home. L0110085230[exp1212][All States] Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its afďŹ liates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA. In TX: Coverage provided by Liberty Mutual County Insurance Company. CA Department of Insurance license number: 0F52987. Minnesota Department of Insurance number 40015723. Liberty Mutual is an Equal Housing Insurer. Š 2010 Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Insurance is underwritten by The Travelers Indemnity Company or one of its property casualty afďŹ liates, One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183. In FL: Auto insurance policies are underwritten by First Floridian Auto and Home Insurance Company, The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company, or by The Travelers Commercial Insurance Company. In MA: Auto policies are underwritten by The Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts, an independent, single-state subsidiary of The Travelers Indemnity Company. In NJ: Auto insurance policies are underwritten by Travelers Auto Insurance Co. of New Jersey, a single state, independent subsidiary of The Travelers Indemnity Company. In TX: Auto insurance is offered by Travelers MGA, Inc. and underwritten by Consumers County Mutual Insurance Company. Š 2010 The Travelers Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

(Client # 101391)

1-800-524-9400

1-888-695-4640

(1-800-438-6388)

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12

'LVWULFWV VRRQ ZLOO EHJLQ XSGDWLQJ 6($1&ÂśV 3ROLF\ Platform. This annual process begins at district-level DQQXDO PHHWLQJV KHOG HDFK VXPPHU ZKHUH PHPEHUV consider recommendations for improvements to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workplace and human resources policies and practices. An annual meeting schedule is updated GDLO\ RQ 6($1&ÂśV RQOLQH FDOHQGDU DW KWWS ZZZ VHDQF RUJ FDOHQGDU

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 UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ WKDW WKH PHVVDJH SURGXFW RU VHUYLFH LV DV UHSUHVHQWHG by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be OLDEOH IRU DQ\ XVH RI RU UHOLDQFH RQ DQ\ VXFK LQIRUPDWLRQ SURGXFW RU service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry DGYHUWLVHPHQWV RI DQ\ QDWXUH SROLWLFDO RU RWKHUZLVH WKDW PD\ EH YLHZHG as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.

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Want to get your weekly SEANC Scoop with updates to your inbox containing the latest news about legislation affecting your pay, health care and retirement?

KAY HOVIOUS, CHAIRWOMAN OF THE POLICY PLATFORM/PERSONNEL BENEFITS COMMITTEE

4

CONTRIBUTED BY CLAIRE MILLER

Policy Platform Ideas Needed to Achieve Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Goals

Cherry Hospital Christmas Parade 'LVWULFW &KDLUPDQ -RKQ 0LOOHU EDFNJURXQG DQG 9LFH &KDLUPDQ 3DXO %XGD\ IRUHJURXQG UHSUHVHQWHG SEANC in the Cherry Hospital Christmas Parade. ³7KHVH DUH WZR JUHDW SHRSOH WR EH DURXQG DQG they are very dedicated and proud supporters of 6($1& ´ 'LVWULFW PHPEHU 2ULH +HQU\ -U VDLG RI Miller and Buday.

Legislative Priorities at the General Assembly Begin with You

13

For more information, contact Mitch Leonard at mleonard@seanc.org or register on the SEANC Web site, www.seanc.org.

Learn everything you need to know about membership recruitment, politics or retiree action, and become a more active and involved SEANC leader!

City Fayetteville Winston-Salem Asheville

Date May 6-7 May 10-11 May 17-18

Request your free quotes today!

THE

sbmclamb@seanc.org %\ QRZ \RXÂśYH SUREDEO\ UHFHLYHG \RXU FHQVXV IRUP EXW KDYH \RX ÂżOOHG LW RXW DQG PDLOHG LW EDFN LQ" ,I QRW JR GR LW QRZ FHQVXV UHVXOWV LPSDFW you as a state employee more than you may know!

The census gathers population data that is XVHG WR GHWHUPLQH WKH SRSXODWLRQV RI WRZQV counties and states. That information is later used to DOORFDWH FRQJUHVVLRQDO VHDWV HOHFWRUDO YRWHV DQG WKH GLVWULEXWLRQ RI PRUH WKDQ ELOOLRQ LQ IHGHUDO IXQGV each year. The largest single recipient of that money is state governments.

That means North Carolina receives money thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used to fund the vital public services you provide Âą VXFK DV SXEOLF VDIHW\ WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG KHDOWK services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; based on census results. ,Q VWDWHV ORVW ELOOLRQ GXH WR XQGHUFRXQWV LQ WKH FHQVXV :LWK WKH UHFHQW EXGJHW GHÂżFLWV WKDWÂśV money North Carolina canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford to lose!

6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH ZDV 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 &DUROLQD WR ÂżOO RXW WKH FHQVXV TXHVWLRQQDLUH Âł7KLV \HDUÂśV FHQVXV IRUP LV TXHVWLRQV ORQJ ,WÂśV WKH VKRUWHVW LQ KLVWRU\ ´ VDLG &RSH Âł5HVSRQGLQJ WR the census is one more way SEANC members can VHUYH WKH VWDWH RI 1RUWK &DUROLQD DQG LW RQO\ WDNHV minutes.â&#x20AC;? $V RI SUHVV WLPH SHUFHQW RI 1RUWK &DUROLQD residents had returned their census forms. If you have QRW UHFHLYHG \RXU FHQVXV TXHVWLRQQDLUH \HW SOHDVH contact the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 866-872-6868.

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Here are just a few of the many advantages Group savings Money-saving discounts Convenient payment options 24/7 claim reporting Free quotes and coverage reviews

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Did you miss NOC Training in April?

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you still have three chances to attend!

Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren

Edgecombe, Martin, Pitt

Doug Berger * (D)

Frankie Bordeaux (D)

Hoke, Robeson

R. Benjamin Clark III (D)

Cumberland

Lula Crenshaw (D)

Guilford

Gladys Robinson (D) * Incumbents Italicized Names are SEANC Members

Great time to put your beneďŹ ts to work for you!

GRE AT SAVINGS. GRE AT SERVICE. GRE AT BENEFITS North Carolina Senate Guilford

Durham, Person

John Faircloth (R)

Alma Adams * (D)

Fred Foster Jr. (D)

Guilford Wake

Wake

Brunswick, Columbus

Bernard Allen II (D)

Ken Waddell (D)

Jeanne Bonds (D)

Randolph

Pat Hurley * (R)

Wilkes

Shirley Randleman * (R)

Wake

Chris Heagarty * (D)

Wake

Tom Murry (R)

Mecklenburg

Rodney Moore (D) Cumberland

Elmer Floyd * (D)

Buncombe

Mark Crawford (R) Robeson

Charles Graham (D)

North Carolina House

BY SARA BETH MCLAMB

CENSUS: Be acCOUNTed For! PUBLIC POLICY

Auto Insurance Program for SEANC Members

SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Get to Know Your Endorsed Candidates MEMBER ACTION

MEMBER ANNUAL ACTION MEETINGS* DISTRICT

PUBLIC POLICY

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 ofďŹ cers, Policy Platform Objectives, SEANC Bylaws and more. To ďŹ nd out your district number, go to www.seanc.org under â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quick Links.â&#x20AC;? Contact your district ofďŹ cers to conďŹ rm 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.

-XQH

1

Date

Dist.

Time 6:00 p.m.

Location -DFNVRQ &RXQW\ &RPPXQLW\ 6HUYLFHV %XLOGLQJ 538 Scotts Creek Rd.

City Sylva

Dinner Yes

District Chairperson Teddy Greene - tgreene@ncdot.gov

-LPP\ 'DYLV VHDQFBG #\DKRR FRP

Bob Gibbard - gibbardro@appstate.edu

3

:D\QH )LVK ZD\QHBÂżV#PVQ FRP

2

5:15 p.m.

May 25

7

5:30 p.m.

-XO\

6

May 18

5

6:00 p.m.

Morganton

- ,YHUVRQ 5LGGOH 'HYHORSPHQW &HQWHU *\P 300 Enola Rd.

Morganton

Broughton Hospital Chapel Assembly Room 1000 S. Sterling St.

Morganton

:HVWHUQ 3LHGPRQW &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJH /HDUQLQJ 5HVRXUFH &HQWHU 5P %XUNHPRQW $YH

Yes

Melissa Freeman - mfreeman@wpcc.edu Wayne Freeman - Wayne.Freeman@ncmail.net

Yes

8

Barbara Leatherman - leatherlee@charter.net

-XQH

May 18

11

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

%DUEDUD /HDWKHUPDQÂśV +RXVH : 1& +Z\ $QVRQ &RXQW\ '27 0DLQWHQDQFH %XLOGLQJ 1015 Old Prison Camp Rd. +DUERU ,QQ 6HDIRRG 5HVWDXUDQW 8QLYHUVLW\ (DVW 'U

Newton

Polkton Charlotte

Yes

Yes Yes

6LGQH\ 6DQG\ VDQGPDQ VHDQF#DRO FRP -HDQ 0DUWLQ PDULO\Q PDUWLQ #\DKRR FRP Sue Eldridge - eldridgem@bellsouth.net

5:30 p.m.

-XQH

6:30 p.m.

-XQH

18

6:00 p.m.

May 17

17

6:00 p.m.

-XQH

16

7:00 p.m.

May 20

23

7:00 p.m.

-XQH

22

5:30 p.m.

-XQH

21

D P

6:00 p.m.

:LQVWRQ 6DOHP 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ 'LJJV *DOOHU\ 6 0DUWLQ /XWKHU .LQJ -U 'U

Winston-Salem

Rockingham

6KRQH\ÂśV ( %URDG $YH

Gibsonville

.LPEHUÂśV 5HVWDXUDQW : 0DLQ 6W 2:$6$ %XLOGLQJ -RQHV )HUU\ 5G

Carrboro

Yes Yes Yes Yes

7%'

Linda Moore - lmoore@ncdot.gov 'DQ (ÂżUG GHÂżUGMU#WULDG UU FRP Pamela Locklear - lpj02@doc.state.nc.us Marie Tate - marie.tate@orange.k12.nc.us Cliff Brown - seanc2@nc.rr.com

Fayetteville

3HDGHQÂśV 6HDIRRG 0F$UWKXU 5G

Creedmoor

South Granville Administration Building 6 &DPSXV 'U 6W 3DXOV &RPPXQLW\ %XLOGLQJ 1 UG 6W Columbus County Cooperative Extension *RYHUQPHQW &RPSOH[ 5G

St. Pauls

-RHO 9DOHQWLQH MRHO YDOHQWLQH#QFGHQU JRY Yes Yes

Whiteville

LEFT: SEANC member Rudy Croom, an employee at the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf, signs his concerns about studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 beneďŹ t employees and citizens who use state services, such as the deaf school.

Scott McMahan - rutherfordtonheel@yahoo.com Larry Brent Reeves - brentreeve@charter.net .HQ %HDYHU END #GRF VWDWH QF XV

10

-XQH

12 13

-XQH

20

May 20

Michele Shaw - micheleshaw22@gmail.com -HUHP\ 5HJLVWHU MJU #\PDLO FRP

Small Savings, Big SacriďŹ ces The expected savings from these cuts is $1 PLOOLRQ D VPDOO VOLFH RI '++6Âś ELOOLRQ EXGJHW Employees at the deaf schools expressed outrage DERXW WKH JURZLQJ DGPLQLVWUDWLYH VWDII ZKLOH WKHLU 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. Âł:H DUH XQGHU WKH KDQGV RI SHRSOH ZKR NQRZ QRWKLQJ RI GHDI HGXFDWLRQ ´ VDLG &URRP Âł:RXOG ZH JR WR D ODZ\HU IRU PHGLFDO SUREOHPV" 1R ZH JR where we get the appropriate services. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost as if OES has turned a deaf ear to deaf education.â&#x20AC;?

'HDI VFKRROV QRW RQO\ SURYLGH HGXFDWLRQ IURP NLQGHUJDUWHQ WKURXJK JUDGH EXW RIIHU OLIH VNLOOV

6:00 p.m.

-XQH

26

3RON &RUUHFWLRQDO ,QVWLWXWLRQ 9HD]H\ 5G 7%'

training in the residence halls as well. Members of WKH GHDI FRPPXQLW\ KDYH WKHLU RZQ FXOWXUH RQH WKH\ DUH SURXG WR EH D SDUW RI EXW WKH\ QHHG WUDLQLQJ WR adapt to a hearing world.

Executive Order 45 Opens Door for SEANC Because SEANC represents more than 20 percent RI '++6 HPSOR\HHV WKH JRYHUQRUœV ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU DOORZV 6($1& WR PHHW ZLWK GHFLVLRQ PDNHUV LQ '++6 DQG KDYH DFFHVV WR HPSOR\HHV ZLWKLQ WKH DJHQF\ 7KH PHHWLQJV H[SHFWHG TXDUWHUO\ DUH IRU WKH SXUSRVH RI ³LPSURYLQJ HPSOR\HH PDQDJHPHQW UHODWLRQV DQG LPSURYLQJ VHUYLFHV WR WKH SXEOLF ´ DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH 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. $V RI SUHVV WLPH 6($1& KDG PHHWLQJV VFKHGXOHG with the Morganton deaf school and the blind school in Raleigh to hear employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concerns. Âł7KLV LV FOHDUO\ D EDFN GRRU DSSURDFK WR VKXWWLQJ down or merging the three schools â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a proposal that failed in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House budget with good UHDVRQ ´ VDLG 6($1& /HJLVODWLYH $IIDLUV 'LUHFWRU Ardis Watkins. Âł7KH VWDWH QHHGV WR ORRN EH\RQG GROODUV DQG FHQWV ´ FRQWLQXHG :DWNLQV Âł7KH\ QHHG WR OLVWHQ WR the parents and employees who care for and educate children with special needs and circumstances.â&#x20AC;? ebaldwin@seanc.org

Terry Baker - ghostbuster151@yahoo.com

Great Coverage Starts with Blue

-RQDWKDQ 6WHSKHQVRQ VWHSKHMD#HPDLO XQF HGX

25 6:00 p.m.

-XQH

27

SM

6WDF\ 'RZG\ GVO #GRF VWDWH QF XV

Butner 'XUKDP

Gracie LaSane - gracie_lesane@msn.com %UXFH 'L[RQ EUXFH GL[RQ#QFPDLO QHW

36

6:00 p.m.

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

-XQH

38

5:30 p.m.

-XQH

37

Raleigh

6($1& &HQWUDO 2IÂżFH 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH

Raleigh

1&'27 (TXLSPHQW 'HSRW &KLHI (QJLQHHUÂśV &RQI 5P %HU\O 5G 0F.LPPRQ &HQWHU *RUPDQ 6W

*HRUJH .DSHQWDQDNLV JNDSHWDQDNLV#QFGRW JRY

April Graham - dat01@doc.state.nc.us

Art Anthony - araleighwood@netscape.com

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

6($1& &HQWUDO 2IÂżFH 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH

Raleigh

%HWW\ -RQHV EHWW\ MRQHV#GKKV QF JRY

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

0D\

63

7%'

-XQH

62

7:00 p.m.

-XQH

61

6:00 p.m.

-XQH

60

6:00 p.m.

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

-XQH

58

6:00 p.m.

-XQH

57

6:00 p.m.

-XQH

56

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

/RJDQÂśV 5RDGKRXVH 7LPEHU 'U (

Raleigh

-RKQ :LOOLDPV ZLOOLDPV #EHOOVRXWK QHW

May 26

6:30 p.m.

-XQH

/RJDQÂśV 5RDGKRXVH 7LPEHU 'U ( 6($1& &HQWUDO 2IÂżFH 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH &DUROLQD 5HVWDXUDQW ( WK 6W 3DUNHUÂśV %DUEHFXH 86 +Z\ 6

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

Garner Garner

6PLWKÂżHOG

Goldsboro

Yes Yes

If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have access to health coverage through an employer, or if you just need health coverage for family members, Blue AdvantageÂŽ is the program that gives you ďŹ&#x201A;exibility, convenience and options to ďŹ t your budget and your lifestyle.

Bruce Garner - bhgarner@yahoo.com

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Raleigh Roanoke Rapids Wilson

Goldsboro

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Holt Lake Bar-B-Que & Seafood 86 +Z\ 6RXWK 0DGLVRQÂśV 3ULPH 5LE 1 1HZ +RSH 5G 7KH 0DWWKHZ &HQWHU 3HQGHUOHD +Z\

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Burgaw

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Robert Barnhill - rbarnhill@ec.rr.com

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Williamston Greenville Greenville

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Wilson

Yes Yes Yes Yes

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Plan A: s $15 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions

Plan B: s $25 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions after $200 deductible

Plan C:

TODD PARHAM LORI PARHAM

VAN TAYLOR NANCY MORRIS MATT HEMBY RON TUCKER

Authorized Agents

Authorized Agents

Triad Area

Charlotte Area

Wilmington Area

336-996-0909 or 866-907-0909

704-527-4220 or 800-286-4220

Gene Mills - tylerstormspring@gmail.com

www.bluechipins.com 800-914-4220 Authorized Agents

RONALD SHEFFIELD 910-686-8761 DIANE SHEFFIELD 910-686-8762

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s $30 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions after $500 deductible

Blue Chip Insurance Agency

'DULXV 0F/DXULQ GOPF #QF UU FRP Eddie Brogden - bje03@doc.state.nc.us -RKQ 0LOOHU -RKQ 0LOOHU#QFPDLO QHW Carolyn Sutton - carolynm@earthlink.net Ricky Rivenbark - rickybark22@hotmail.com

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Bill Boyle - wboyle@suddenlink.net

67

6:30 p.m.

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70

Affordable, Quality Health Insurance

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65

6:30 p.m.

May 20

66

Rita Woods - lra01@doc.state.nc.us

68

6:00 p.m.

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71

Contact your authorized Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina agent for costs and further details of coverage, limitations, exclusions and terms under which the policy may be continued in force. An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ÂŽ Mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

SM Mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U2082m, 5/06

Arvis Sutton - asutton1253@yahoo.com Stuart Glover - comanchecreekllc@yahoo.com

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

11

3

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

14

PHOTOS BY MATT HANDS, WILSON TIMES

6

Call 800-222-2758 to sign up today or go to www.seanc.org.

Because they just saved $841 by using SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spectera Vision Insurance. These rates are available to SEANC members only.

Why are Suzanne and Henry looking through rose-colored glasses?

3UHVLGHQW RI WKH 1 & 6WDWH 5HWLUHHV &OXE -DPHV 0RUJDQ FOXE PHPEHU 5HY 6DUD 0RUJDQ FHQWHU DQG 'LVWULFW PHPEHU DQG SDVW SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 1 & 6WDWH 5HWLUHHV &OXE 6KLUOH\ 3HUU\ ULJKW GLVSOD\ VWRFNLQJV WKH\ GLVWULEXWHG WR UHVLGHQWV of the Central Heights community in Goldsboro.

N.C. State Retirees Hold a Christmas Party PHOTO BY ORIE HENRY JR.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something that could reduce the $563 million annual turnover cost in state government.â&#x20AC;? 6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH RQ ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU LQ WKH )HE 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH Âł3HUGXH SEANC speaks for state workers.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;By and large, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.â&#x20AC;?

6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH LQ WKH 0DUFK 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH Âł6DODU\ KLVWRULHV NHSW IURP SXEOLF ´ â&#x20AC;&#x153;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, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just appalling. Ultimately, the effect on the schools will be that slowly, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll shut down. Staff is going to leave. Kids are going to leave.â&#x20AC;?

6($1& /HJLVODWLYH $IIDLUV 'LUHFWRU $UGLV :DWNLQV RQ WKH EXGJHW FXWV DW WKH (DVWHUQ 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6FKRRO IRU WKH 'HDI LQ WKH 0DUFK :5$/ UHSRUW ³%XGJHW VKRUWIDOO DIIHFWLQJ VHUYLFHV DW VWDWH VFKRROV ´

Quotes to Note

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody here plays an important role. And you start cutting people, you might start losing quality down the line.â&#x20AC;?

6($1& 'LVWULFW PHPEHU 0DXUHHQ +RZDUG D 'HSDUWPHQW RI 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ HPSOR\HH RQ 1HZV &DUROLQDœV $SULO UHSRUW ³&RQWLQXHG EXGJHW VKRUWIDOOV FRQFHUQ VWDWH HPSOR\HHV ´

)RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH 'RQ -RQHV 0HPRULDO *ROI 7RXUQDPHQW SOHDVH FRQWDFW 5HWLUHHV 'LUHFWRU 0LWFK /HRQDUG DW RU POHRQDUG#VHDQF RUJ sbmclamb@seanc.org 6($1& LV H[FLWHG WR DQQRXQFH -DPHV 9DXJKDQ RI 'LVWULFW DV WKH QHZ HDVWHUQ region member action coordinator. A native of 0DUWLQ &RXQW\ 9DXJKDQ KDV EHHQ D PHPEHU RI 6($1& VLQFH DQG KDV VHUYHG DV KLV GLVWULFWÂśV FKDLUPDQ IRU VHYHQ \HDUV YLFH chairman for three years and eastern region representative to the Executive Committee for RQH DQG D KDOI \HDUV DPRQJ RWKHU SRVLWLRQV 8SRQ KLV KLULQJ 9DXJKDQ VWDWHG Âł6($1& 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 canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to get started.â&#x20AC;?

3ULRU WR DFFHSWLQJ KLV SRVLWLRQ ZLWK 6($1& 9DXJKDQ SURXGO\ VHUYHG WKH state of North Carolina as an assistant superintendent for programs at Tyrrell Prison Work Farm.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If North Carolina is lower [in cost] than other states, how much lower could we be if we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t supplementing Blue Crossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CEO bonuses, sponsorships and buffets?â&#x20AC;? 6($1& $VVLVWDQW 'LUHFWRU of Communications Erica Baldwin in the Feb. 26 News & Observer DUWLFOH Âł+HDOWK SODQ RI 1 & EHDW LWV QHLJKERUVÂś ´ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to take it anymore. While theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the RitzCarlton eating their big shrimp and high-dollar meals, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re outside eating Ritz crackers, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to send a message that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tired of their CEOs making over $4 million a year when folks are literally dying because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have access to health insurance in this country.â&#x20AC;? SEANC Executive 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH LQ WKH 0DUFK 1HZV &DUROLQD UHSRUW Âł6WDWH HPSOR\HHV JR WR ' & WR SURWHVW LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQLHV ´

Want to see more SEANC in the News? Check out www.seanc.org under â&#x20AC;&#x153;Newsâ&#x20AC;?

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BY SARA BETH MCLAMB

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Vaughan Named Eastern Member Action Coordinator

PUBLIC POLICY

MEMBER ACTION

COLUMNS

PUBLIC POLICY

Counselorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comments

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

SEE-nik. Hard to say. Easy to join.

BY TOM HARRIS

BY TONY SMITH

SEANC CHIEF OF STAFF/GENERAL COUNSEL

Beware of Scams in Economic Downturn

Time to Gear Up for the Legislative Session 7KH 1RUWK &DUROLQD *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ UHFRQYHQHV RQ :HGQHVGD\ 0D\ DQG 6($1& /REE\ 'D\ LV 7XHVGD\ -XQH 7KHVH DUH WZR LPSRUWDQW dates that I want yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;all to keep in mind over the coming weeks. We have a lot RI ZRUN WR GR DQG , LQYLWH \RX WR MRLQ PH DW WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ RQ -XQH IRU 6($1& /REE\ 'D\ WR KHOS JHW LW GRQH 7KLV \HDU LV D VKRUW OHJLVODWLYH VHVVLRQ EXW LW is also an election year. This means we have less WLPH WR DFKLHYH RXU OHJLVODWLYH JRDOV DQG ZH ZLOO be dealing with distracted legislators. We need to remind our elected officials that they need to focus on more than their re-election campaigns â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they need to keep their eyes and minds on the business at hand this session.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re facing another year of challenges. In D 0DUFK 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH LW ZDV Smith reported that the state is forecasting another EXGJHW VKRUWIDOO ZKLFK PHDQV WKDW VWDWH HPSOR\HHV DQG WHDFKHUV VKRXOGQÂśW expect pay raises.

We need to make our presence known to the ladies and gentlemen on -RQHV 6WUHHW $V EXGJHW LWHPV DUH UHYLHZHG ZH QHHG WR HQVXUH WKDW WKH\ know they cannot continue to balance the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. :H KDYH PDGH JDLQV WKLV \HDU EXW ZH VWLOO KDYH ZRUN WR GR :H KDYH JDLQHG WKH ULJKW WR PHHW DQG FRQIHU WKURXJK ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU EXW ZH VWLOO QHHG WR OREE\ RXU OHJLVODWRUV WR UHSHDO * 6 Â&#x2020; )HGHUDO KHDOWK FDUH UHIRUP SDVVHG DQG ZDV VLJQHG LQWR ODZ EXW WKH 6WDWH +HDOWK 3ODQ LV VWLOO under the oversight of the General Assembly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we need to encourage our legislators to move its oversight to another agency.

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just need the active state employees coming out for SEANC /REE\ 'D\ LQ -XQH ZH QHHG DOO WKH UHWLUHHV DV ZHOO 0DQ\ LPSRUWDQW UHWLUHH LVVXHV ZLOO DOVR EH WDNHQ XS LQ WKLV VKRUW VHVVLRQ 'XULQJ WKH VHVVLRQ ELOOV ZHUH LQWURGXFHG WR JLYH HTXDO WD[ WUHDWPHQW IRU DOO JRYHUQPHQW HPSOR\HHV ZKLFK ZRXOG SURYLGH VWDWH WD[ H[HPSWLRQ IRU DOO UHWLUHHV DQG WR FKDQJH the retirement system from one person â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the state treasurer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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.

6R OHWÂśV JHW JHDUHG XS IRU WKLV OHJLVODWLYH VHVVLRQ ,W PD\ EH VKRUW EXW ZH can make sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s productive. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all come together to raise our voices on -XQH DQG OHW WKH OHJLVODWXUH NQRZ ZH PHDQ EXVLQHVV

7KH IDOWHULQJ HFRQRP\ KDV OHG PDQ\ SHRSOH WR ORRN IRU ³HDV\´ PRQH\ EH LW E\ ZD\ RI WKH VWDWH ORWWHU\ ZKLFK LV OHJLWLPDWH RU WKURXJK RIIHUV ZH JHW WKURXJK WKH PDLO SKRQH RU ,QWHUQHW PDQ\ RI ZKLFK DUH VFDPV +HUH DUH D FRXSOH RI VFDPV WR watch out for that use counterfeit or fake checks.

Check overpayment scams target consumers VHOOLQJ FDUV RU RWKHU YDOXDEOH LWHPV WKURXJK FODVVLÂżHG DGV RU RQOLQH DXFWLRQ VLWHV 8QVXVSHFWLQJ VHOOHUV JHW VWXFN ZKHQ VFDPPHUV SDVV RII ERJXV FDVKLHUÂśV corporate and personal checks. The scam artist replies WR WKH DG RU SRVWLQJ RIIHUV WR SD\ IRU WKH LWHP DQG 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.

7KH VHOOHU GRHV LW DQG ODWHU ZKHQ WKH VFDPPHUÂśV FKHFN ERXQFHV WKH VHOOHU LV OHIW OLDEOH IRU WKH HQWLUH DPRXQW Harris In secret shopper scams, the consumer hired to be a secret shopper is asked to evaluate the effectiveness of a money transfer VHUYLFH 7KH FRQVXPHU LV JLYHQ D FKHFN WROG WR GHSRVLW LW LQ WKHLU EDQN DFFRXQW DQG ZLWKGUDZ WKH DPRXQW LQ FDVK 7KHQ WKH FRQVXPHU LV WROG WR WDNH WKH FDVK WR WKH PRQH\ WUDQVIHU VHUYLFH VSHFLÂżHG DQG W\SLFDOO\ WR VHQG WKH WUDQVIHU WR D SHUVRQ LQ D &DQDGLDQ FLW\ 7KHQ WKH FRQVXPHU LV VXSSRVHG WR HYDOXDWH WKHLU H[SHULHQFH EXW no one collects the evaluation. The secret shopper scam is just a scam to get the consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money.

You and your bank â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who is responsible for what? 8QGHU IHGHUDO ODZ EDQNV PXVW PDNH IXQGV DYDLODEOH WR \RX IURP 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 7UHDVXU\ FKHFNV RIÂżFLDO EDQN FKHFNV FDVKLHUÂśV FHUWLÂżHG DQG WHOOHUV FKHFNV DQG FKHFNV SDLG E\ JRYHUQPHQW DJHQFLHV DW WKH RSHQLQJ RI WKH GD\ DIWHU \RX GHSRVLW WKH FKHFN )RU RWKHU FKHFNV EDQNV PXVW VLPLODUO\ PDNH WKH ÂżUVW DYDLODEOH WKH GD\ DIWHU \RX GHSRVLW WKH check. The remaining funds are available on the second day after the deposit if SD\DEOH E\ D ORFDO EDQN DQG ZLWKLQ ÂżYH GD\V LI GUDZQ RQ GLVWDQW EDQNV +RZHYHU MXVW EHFDXVH IXQGV DUH DYDLODEOH RQ D FKHFN \RXÂśYH GHSRVLWHG GRHV QRW mean the check is good. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best not to rely on money from any type of check unless \RX NQRZ DQG WUXVW WKH SHUVRQ \RX DUH GHDOLQJ ZLWK RU XQWLO WKH EDQN FRQÂżUPV WKDW WKH FKHFN KDV FOHDUHG 7KH ERWWRP OLQH LV WKDW XQWLO WKH EDQN FRQÂżUPV WKDW WKH IXQGV IURP WKH FKHFN KDYH EHHQ GHSRVLWHG LQWR \RXU DFFRXQW \RX DUH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU DQ\ funds you withdraw against that account.

If you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a victim or have been targeted E\ D FRXQWHUIHLW FKHFN VFDP UHSRUW LW WR WKH IROORZLQJ DJHQFLHV 7KH )HGHUDO 7UDGH &RPPLVVLRQ DW ZZZ IWF JRY RU )7& +(/3 WKH 8 6 3RVWDO 6HUYLFH DW ZZZ XVSV JRY ZHEVLWHV GHSDUW LQVSHFW RU FDOO \RXU ORFDO SRVW RIÂżFH RU WKH &RQVXPHU 3URWHFWLRQ 'LYLVLRQ RI WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDOÂśV 2IÂżFH DW 12 6&$0 $V VWDWH HPSOR\HHV DQG UHWLUHHV ZH NQRZ WKHUH LV QR HDV\ PRQH\ VR LI \RX UHFHLYH DQ RIIHU WKDW ORRNV WRR JRRG WR EH WUXH FKDQFHV DUH LW LV

tsmith@seanc.org

tharris@seanc.org

bly building)

Join Us for SEANC Lobby Day

Making benefits count for SEANC Members!

'RXJ 6XWWRQ ,QVXUDQFH 6HUYLFHV Providing quality and affordable insurance to SEANC members for over 30 years.

SEANC members enjoy the convenience of using Colonial Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Call Center to apply for coverage over the phone with one of our Benefit Representatives.

We appreciate doing business with you!

New for North Carolina Retirees!

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s What to Do: Visit the Colonial Life website

Colonial Life Products:

or obtain a SEANC Handbook for specific product information youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need prior to calling the Call Center.

https://www.coloniallife.com/callcenter

Cancer Insurance (with optional $5,000 initial diagnosis benefit)

Dial the Benefit Enrollment

Critical Illness Insurance

Call Center toll free at

(up to $10,000 in benefits, with no taxes being due at the point of claim)

1.866.265.3599.

Hospital Confinement Indemnity Insurance (offered on a guaranteed issue basis)

Whole Life Insurance

Raleigh Area: Danny Cotten 919.552.8584 jwcj2@earthlink.net

Policies have exclusions and limitations that may affect benefits payable.

Statewide: Ken Lang 1.888.SEANC 4 U (toll free) klang@roberttaylorgroup.com

Please call us if we can be of service.

Colonial Life 1200 Colonial Life Boulevard Columbia, South Carolina 29210 coloniallife.com

Colonial Life products are underwritten by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, for which Colonial Life is the marketing brand.

02/10

71750-1

RU 7ROO )UHH STATEWIDE SALES AND SERVICE

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June 8, 2010 U 10:00 a.m. U Halifax Mall, Raleigh Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?ÇĄ ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D; Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022; ÇŚ Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Ǩ

(just outside the General Assembly building)

A L L S E A N C M E M B E R S & S TAT E E M P L O Y E E S I N V I T E D !

Fran Albritton, LUTCF Locust, NC

Rob Jernigan Fayetteville, NC

Ty Cobb, CFP Angier, NC

Scott Kittrell Sanford, NC

Junior Edge Fayetteville, NC

Shelley Kittrell Sanford, NC

Steve Hamilton, LUTCF Barnardsville, NC

Page Simpson Raleigh, NC

Chris Harris Greenville, NC

Jeff Tate Henderson, NC

John Hill New Bern, NC

Will Walters Fayetteville, NC

Kevin Hill New Bern, NC

Chris Woodby Burnsville, NC

Ron Jackson Raleigh, NC

Mark Younts Salisbury, NC

3527(&7,9( /,)(

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.

NC State Employees Service Office 8364 Six Forks Road Suite 200 Raleigh, NC 27615 Toll Free 800-334-1217 Local 919-844-1777 www.ncbenefits.com

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All State E

l

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

7

2

For more information, please contact Tiffany Woodard at 800-222-2758 or twoodard@seanc.org.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

10

GRXJVXWWRQ#GRXJVXWWRQLQV FRP

15

continued on page 3 WILSON Âą 2Q -DQXDU\ HPSOR\HHV RI WKH (DVWHUQ 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6FKRRO IRU WKH 'HDI LQ :LOVRQ WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6FKRRO IRU WKH 'HDI LQ Morganton and the Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh received reduction-in-force (RIF) letters IURP WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI +HDOWK DQG +XPDQ 6HUYLFHV '++6 2IÂżFH RI (GXFDWLRQ 6HUYLFHV 2(6 DQG ZHUH JLYHQ XQWLO -DQXDU\ WR DFFHSW UHGXFHG KRXUV and pay or to decline the offer and lose their jobs. Âł,WÂśV D VDIHW\ LVVXH ´ VDLG 6($1& 'LVWULFW PHPEHU 5XG\ &URRP D IRUPHU VWXGHQW DQG FXUUHQW HPSOR\HH LQ :LOVRQ ZKR FDPH WR 6($1& IRU KHOS Croomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 WKH GRUPV FUHDWHV D KXJH VDIHW\ KD]DUG IRU H[DPSOH LI D ÂżUH ZHUH WR KDSSHQ LW ZRXOG EH GLIÂżFXOW WR JHW each child out safely.

Eleven employees from Wilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deaf school left their jobs because they could not afford to work there with the drastic pay cut. The residential schools also FXW WKH 6XQGD\ HYHQLQJ VKLIW DQG FKLOGUHQ QRZ DUH bussed in on Monday mornings. Ninety percent of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students are residential.

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Purchasing Power is a unique member benefit program, which helps you purchase the new, brand-name computers, electronics and home appliances you want and need for you and your family through the ease of payroll deduction.

Use payroll deduction for all your important purchases.

Group Code: SNC2191

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Deaf Schools Face Harsh Cuts Affecting Student Safety PUBLIC POLICY

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PUBLIC POLICY

PUBLIC POLICY

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 childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Ten Policy Platform Objectives to improve the quality and affordability of health care for all Americans.

How Federal Health Reform BeneďŹ ts North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Employees and Retirees

BY CHUCK STONE, DIRECTOR OF NORTH CAROLINIANS FOR AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

2010 Â&#x2021; $OORZV GHSHQGHQW FKLOGUHQ WR UHPDLQ RQ WKH parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Health Plan (SHP) coverage to age 26 (even if not enrolled in college) Â&#x2021; (OLPLQDWHV GHQLDO RI FRYHUDJH RI FKLOGUHQ IRU pre-existing conditions by private insurance FRPSDQLHV ZKLFK FRXOG UHVXOW LQ ORZHU SUHPLXPV for children Â&#x2021; 3URKLELWV OLIHWLPH FDSV RQ FRYHUDJH Â&#x2021; %DQV LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQLHV IURP GURSSLQJ coverage when people get sick Â&#x2021; $OORZV XQLQVXUHG DGXOWV ZLWK SUH H[LVWLQJ conditions to obtain coverage through a VXEVLGL]HG KLJK ULVN SRRO WKH SURJUDP H[SLUHV LQ ZKHQ QHZ LQVXUDQFH H[FKDQJHV EHJLQ operating Â&#x2021; 3URYLGHV IHGHUDO UHLPEXUVHPHQW SD\PHQWV RI FODLPV WR WKH 6+3 IRU HDFK QRQ 0HGLFDUH UHWLUHH thus reducing state appropriations needed for the 6+3

Â&#x2021; 5HGXFHV WKH ÂłKLGGHQ WD[´ RI WKDW LQVXUHG N.C. families pay annually in higher premiums DQG UHGXFHG KHDOWK EHQHÂżWV WR RII VHW WKH FRVWV RI the uninsured (2010-2018)

2011 Â&#x2021; (OLPLQDWHV VRPH FXUUHQW GHGXFWLEOHV DQG RXW of-pocket expenses for certain preventative care VHUYLFHV LQ WKH 6+3 VXFK DV DJH DSSURSULDWH colonoscopies

Â&#x2021; 2IIHUV IUHH SUHYHQWLYH FDUH LQFOXGLQJ DQQXDO ZHOOQHVV H[DPV DQG HOLPLQDWHV RXW RI SRFNHW FR SD\V IRU ZHOOQHVV VFUHHQLQJV VXFK DV FDQFHU and diabetes

IRU DQ LQGLYLGXDO DQG \HDU IRU D IDPLO\ WKH State Health Plan is not in this category since the VWDWH RQO\ SD\V D PD[LPXP SHU \HDU IRU DQ employee and $0 for a family. (2018)

2014

Medicare (Seniors and People with Disabilities)

Â&#x2021; 3URYLGHV IHGHUDO VXEVLGLHV WR DVVLVW IDPLOLHV LQ SD\LQJ GHSHQGHQW KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH SUHPLXPV thus reducing dependent expenses to many state employee families (families of four earning \HDU RU OHVV

Â&#x2021; $OORZV SXUFKDVH RI GHSHQGHQW FRYHUDJH WKURXJK state insurance exchanges Â&#x2021; (OLPLQDWHV GHQLDO RI FRYHUDJH IRU SUH H[LVWLQJ conditions by private insurance companies Â&#x2021; ([SDQGV 0HGLFDLG WR SHUFHQW RI IHGHUDO SRYHUW\ OHYHO IRU D IDPLO\ RI IRXU DQG LQFOXGHV FKLOGOHVV DGXOWV IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH Â&#x2021; 3ODFHV DQQXDO FDSV RQ PD[LPXP RXW RI SRFNHW expenses Â&#x2021; 5HTXLUHV PRVW 8 6 FLWL]HQV DQG OHJDO UHVLGHQWV to have health insurance with limited exceptions EDVHG RQ LQFRPH KRZHYHU IHGHUDO VXEVLGLHV DUH available (see above) Â&#x2021; 3KDVHV LQ D WD[ SHQDOW\ IRU WKRVH IDLOLQJ WR FDUU\ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH DW \HDU LQ DQG LQFUHDVLQJ WR a maximum of 2.5 percent of taxable income in 2016 NOTE: While the legislation imposes an excise tax RQ KLJK GROODU KHDOWK SODQV H[FHHGLQJ \HDU

Â&#x2021; 5HEDWHV WR 0HGLFDUH UHFLSLHQWV DIIHFWHG E\ the donut hole (2010) Â&#x2021; 3URYLGHV IUHH SUHYHQWLYH FDUH LQFOXGLQJ DQQXDO wellness exams and elimination of out-of-pocket FR SD\PHQWV IRU SUHYHQWLYH EHQHÂżWV VXFK DV FDQFHU and diabetes screening (2011) Â&#x2021; 3KDVHV LQ HOLPLQDWLRQ RI 0HGLFDUH 3DUW ' GRQXW KROH DOORZLQJ SXUFKDVH RI QHHGHG PHGLFDWLRQV (2010-2020) Â&#x2021; 5HGXFHV 0HGLFDUH 3DUW % SUHPLXP LQFUHDVHV IRU the 1.2 million seniors not enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (2011) Â&#x2021; (QVXUHV 0HGLFDUH $GYDQWDJH SODQV PXVW VSHQG more money on patient care and less on executive bonuses (2011-2015) Â&#x2021; 2IIHUV D YROXQWDU\ SURJUDP &/$66 WR SURYLGH community-based services for people with severe disabilities (2011) Â&#x2021; 3URYLGHV SHUFHQW ERQXV SD\PHQWV WR SULPDU\ FDUH SK\VLFLDQV DQG JHQHUDO VXUJHRQV

cstone@seanc.org

SEANC Members Turned Activists BY

DANA COPE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

)LQDOO\ Âą YLFWRU\ RQ KHDOWK FDUH 7KLV KLVWRULF KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH UHIRUP ELOO LV QRZ ODZ 'LG \RX know that the debate over health care has been ongoing since the beginning of the 20th century EDFN ZKHQ 3UHVLGHQW 7KHRGRUH 5RRVHYHOW Âą QRW )'5 P\ IULHQGV Âą EXW ZKHQ 7HGG\ 5RRVHYHOW ZDV in office?

The national health care debate was exciting to me for many reasons. It accomplished one RI 6($1&ÂśV 7RS 7HQ 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP 2EMHFWLYHV WKDW Âł6($1& ZLOO support federal and state legislation to provide access to quality and DIIRUGDEOH KHDOWK FDUH IRU DOO 8QLWHG 6WDWHV FLWL]HQV ´ 2Q D SHUVRQDO OHYHO LW DIILUPHG P\ GHHSO\ KHOG EHOLHI WKDW KHDOWK FDUH LV D PRUDO ULJKW WR HYHU\ PDQ ZRPDQ DQG FKLOG LQ $PHULFD $OWKRXJK QRW D SHUIHFW ELOO E\ DQ\ PHDQV LW LV WKH ODZ RI WKH ODQG ,W PHDQV RXU GHSHQGHQWV FDQ REWDLQ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH ZLWK SUH H[LVWLQJ FRQGLWLRQV LW PHDQV WKDW \RX can insure your children through age 26 and much more. The health care debate also brought home what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been saying for years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; namely ZKDW KDSSHQV LQ :DVKLQJWRQ ' & GLUHFWO\ DIIHFWV 1RUWK &DUROLQD $QG LWÂśV RQH RI WKH UHDVRQV WKDW 6($1& FKRVH WR EHFRPH 6($1& 6(,8 Local 2008.

Cope One of the ways that it affected North Carolina and SEANC members LQ SDUWLFXODU ZDV WKDW ZH JRW DFWLYH LQ D PHDQLQJIXO SHUVRQDO ZD\ 1RW RQO\ GLG ZH ZULWH OHWWHUV PDNH SKRQH FDOOV VLJQ SHWLWLRQV DQG ODXQFK D KHDOWK UHIRUP :HE VLWH EXW ZH SXW RXU ERRWV RQ WKH ground time and time again as health care activists. We told our personal health care stories â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DERXW RXU VHFRQG MREV WR SD\ IRU RXU IDPLO\ KHDOWK FDUH DERXW RXU IDPLO\ PHPEHUV QR ORQJHU ZLWK us because of their lack of or denial of health care and about the injustice of even having to have WKLV FRQYHUVDWLRQ LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV RI $PHULFD It was SEANC members who became the go-to health care activists and leaders for change LQ RXU FRPPXQLWLHV QRW MXVW LQ 5DOHLJK EXW VWDWHZLGH 2XU PHPEHUV KHOG KHDOWK FDUH IRUXPV LQ *UHHQYLOOH /LOOLQJWRQ .LQVWRQ &ROID[ 0RUJDQWRQ 5DOHLJK %XUJDZ %XWQHU DQG &O\GH WKDW GUHZ WKRXVDQGV RI HYHU\GD\ SHRSOH IRU DQG DJDLQVW KHDOWK FDUH UHIRUP 8 6 &RQJUHVVPHQ WKH PHGLD and most importantly our members. We protested outside of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North &DUROLQDÂśV FRUSRUDWH KHDGTXDUWHUV UDOOLHG LQ 5DOHLJK LQ VXSSRUW RI 5HS %RE (WKHULGJH SURWHVWHG LQ &RQFRUG LQ RSSRVLWLRQ WR 5HS /DUU\ .LVVHOO DQG PDGH RXU YRLFHV KHDUG LQ QHZVSDSHUV RQ 79 on facebook and across the blogosphere.

The event that made me the proudest was when more than 200 of our SEANC activists and IULHQGV DQVZHUHG WKH FDOO WR MRLQ RXU EURWKHUV DQG VLVWHUV LQ :DVKLQJWRQ ' & WR UDOO\ LQ VXSSRUW of health care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of whom woke up before 3:00 a.m. to do so.

1DWLRQDO KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH UHIRUP LV D UHDOLW\ EXW WKH ZRUN RQ KHDOWK FDUH GRHVQœW VWRS QRZ :H PXVW FRQWLQXH LW DW WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ WKLV PRQWK 6($1& DFWLYLVWV FRPH MRLQ PH WKLV PRQWK IRU 1RUWK &DUROLQD 2UJDQL]HU &RUSV 12& WUDLQLQJ DQG 6($1&œV /REE\ 'D\ RQ -XQH $V RQH SURYHUE JRHV ³6RPH SHRSOH PDNH WKLQJV KDSSHQ VRPH ZDWFK WKLQJV KDSSHQ ZKLOH RWKHUV ZRQGHU ZKDW KDV KDSSHQHG ´ :HOO 6($1& PHPEHUV KDYH VKRZQ WKURXJK WKHLU WLUHOHVV 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.

National health insurance reform will bring real protections and key beneďŹ ts that take effect this year.

1. Lifetime limits and restricted annual limits on coverage are eliminated. ,I ZH JHW VLFN LQVXUDQFH companies canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drop us.

3. Our children can stay covered under our policy until the age of 26.

2XU FKLOGUHQ FDQÂśW EH GHQLHG 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 LPPXQL]DWLRQV 7. Tax credits will be available for small businesses who offer coverage.

dcope@seanc.org

July 2009 SEIU International grants funds for SEANC member organizers to hold state legislators accountable for their State Health Plan vote and to educate members on national health insurance reform.

August-September 2009 SEANC hosts a dozen health reform town hall meetings across the state; several congressmen, including Rep. Bob Etheridge, speak at the forums.

PHOTO BY ERICA BALDWIN

PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS

November 2009

March 2010

SEANC launches www.stopbcbs.com to call on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C. to stop using health care dollars to fund anti-reform efforts.

SEANC District 39 member Shoshana Serxner shows support for Rep. Etheridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pro-health reform stance.

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY MARY ADELAIDE BELL

December 2008January 2009 SEANC members visit nine North Carolina congressmen, including Rep. G.K. ButterďŹ eld, to ask for their support of health care reform.

July 2009 SEANC members and health care advocates protest outside of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C., which spent big dollars trying to block health insurance reform.

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

August 2009

March 2010

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.

More than 200 SEANC members go to Washington, D.C. in support of health insurance reform.

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

9

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

16

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

tdavis@seanc.org

*Incumbents. Italicized names are SEANC members.

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 UHFHLYLQJ DQ HQGRUVHPHQW IURP WKH VWDWHZLGH (03$& HDFK FDQGLGDWH ZDV LQWHUYLHZHG DQG DSSURYHG E\ WKHLU ORFDO DUHD (03$& WHDP 7R OHDUQ PRUH DERXW (03$& DQG WKH QRPLQDWLQJ SURFHVV JR WR WKH EMPAC section of the SEANC Web site at www.seanc.org.

Endorsement Process

13 21 28 3 7

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

Dist. Candidate (Party)

RALEIGH Âą 7KH (PSOR\HHV 3ROLWLFDO $FWLRQ &RPPLWWHH (03$&

D VXEVLGLDU\ RI 6($1& PHW RQ 0DUFK DQG YRWHG WR PDNH endorsements for the 2010 North Carolina General Assembly May SULPDU\ HOHFWLRQV 7HQ RI WKH HQGRUVHG FDQGLGDWHV DUH 6($1& members. Âł7KH (03$& HQGRUVHPHQW PHDQV WKH ZRUOG WR PH ,W WHOOV PH P\ ZRUN DW WKH '09 ZDV YDOXHG E\ P\ IHOORZ HPSOR\HHV ,I HOHFWHG , ZLOO EH DFFHVVLEOH DQG DFFRXQWDEOH WR WKH SHRSOH ZKR SXW PH LQ RIÂżFH DQG , ZLOO ZRUN WR UHSHDO * 6 Â&#x2020; Âą WKH VWDWXWH WKDW SURKLELWV SXEOLF HPSOR\HH FROOHFWLYH EDUJDLQLQJ ´ VDLG 6($1& PHPEHU )UHG )RVWHU D UHWLUHG 'LYLVLRQ RI 0RWRU 9HKLFOHV RIÂżFHU UXQQLQJ IRU +RXVH 'LVWULFW ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR UHYLHZLQJ DQG HQGRUVLQJ VWDWHZLGH FDQGLGDWHV (03$& YRWHG WR HVWDEOLVK D SURFHVV to endorse in federal House and Senate races. The committee also voted to conduct general election LQWHUYLHZV LQ WKH XSFRPLQJ 8 6 6HQDWH UDFH 2Q 0D\ YRWHUV LQ WKH 'HPRFUDWLF SULPDU\ ZLOO GHFLGH ZKHWKHU 6HFUHWDU\ RI 6WDWH (ODLQH 0DUVKDOO D 6($1& PHPEHU RU IRUPHU VWDWH UHSUHVHQWDWLYH &DO Cunningham will compete for the Senate seat currently held by Richard Burr.

North Carolina Senate 20 33 39 41 41 43 47 55 58 61 70 94 99 115

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

Dist. Candidate (Party) BY

TONI DAVIS

Primed to Vote: EMPAC Endorses 10 SEANC Members in May 4 Primary

Counties Counties

North Carolina House

EMPAC Endorsements

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 WKURXJK \HDUV ZLWK QR SD\ LQFUHDVHV ZKLOH ZH EXLOW EULGJHV WR QRZKHUH DQG RYHU SULFHG ÂżVKLQJ SLHUV EXW HQRXJK LV HQRXJK , ZDQW WR HQFRXUDJH each of you to attend this lobby day. :H 6($1& DUH WKH UHFRJQL]HG YRLFH RI VWDWH HPSOR\HHV :H FRQWLQXH WR JURZ EXW ZH must continue to have legislators stand up and WDNH QRWLFH WKDW ZH FDQQRW QRU ZLOO QRW DFFHSW another health insurance increase to our monthly bills. We endorsed and helped elect over half of WKH OHJLVODWLYH ERG\ DQG QRZ LW LV WLPH IRU WKHP to hear from us loud and clear â&#x20AC;&#x201C; represent those ZKR KHOSHG JHW \RX HOHFWHG RU ÂżQG DQRWKHU FDUHHU 7KHVH DUH WKLQJV WKDW , WKLQN DERXW HYHU\ GD\ EXW now is the time for us to stop talking and start acting.

Now I know that people are pressed for everything â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially time and money. I have KHDUG SHRSOH VD\ Âł, FDQÂśW DIIRUG WR WDNH WKH GD\ RII WR JR WR 5DOHLJK ´ %XW , KDYH WR WHOO \RX SHRSOH we cannot afford not to attend.

So go to the SEANC Web site and sign up for lobby day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for the talkers to take action.

Jimmy Davis of District 4 urges every SEANC member to take action by attending lobby day.

BY JIMMY DAVIS, DISTRICT 4 CHAIRMAN

Stop Talking, Start Acting: See you at Lobby Day June 8

2Q 0DUFK WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6XSUHPH &RXUW heard oral arguments in SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public records ODZVXLW DJDLQVW WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 6WDWH 7UHDVXUHU and former State Treasurer Richard Moore. $W LVVXH ZDV ZKHWKHU RU QRW 6($1& KDG ÂżOHG ÂłD FODLP XSRQ ZKLFK UHOLHI FDQ EH JUDQWHG ´ NQRZQ LQ OHJDO FLUFOHV DV D E

PRWLRQ WR GLVPLVV UHIHUULQJ to a section of the North Carolina Rules of Civil 3URFHGXUH ZKHQ WKH DVVRFLDWLRQ VXHG IRUPHU 7UHDVXUHU Moore under the Public Records Act. SEANC filed the lawsuit in February 2008 following nearly a year of incomplete answers to public UHFRUGV UHTXHVWV ,Q 0DUFK DQG 2FWREHU RI 6($1& made public records requests following a slew of media WKDW UDLVHG ÂłSD\ WR SOD\´ TXHVWLRQV UHJDUGLQJ WKH VWDWH pension fund. Numerous articles in local and national media questioned whether Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment practices could have been politically motivated. He was the sole trustee of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s then $75 billion pension fund.

SEANC is supported in its appeal by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) and WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 3UHVV $VVRFLDWLRQ 1&3$ ZKRVH members make public records requests similar to 6($1&ÂśV ZLWK D )ULHQG RI WKH &RXUW EULHI ,Q WKHLU EULHI 1&3$ DQG 1&$% DUJXH WKDW LI OLPLWHG E\ WKH W\SH RI SXEOLF UHFRUGV UHTXHVWV WKH\ DUH DEOH WR PDNH ÂłLQFOXGLQJ GLVFORVXUHV RI GRFXPHQWV UHSRUWHUV EHOLHYH H[LVW EXW FDQQRW OLVW E\ QDPH DW WKH SOHDGLQJ VWDJH WKH publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge of its government will suffer.â&#x20AC;? Âł7KLV DSSHDO LV LPSRUWDQW EHFDXVH WKH UHFRUGV sought will help SEANC determine if investment decisions were possibly based on politics rather than WKH EHVW LQWHUHVW RI UHWLUHPHQW V\VWHP PHPEHUV ´ VDLG SEANC General Counsel Tom Harris.

1R PDWWHU WKH RXWFRPH RI WKLV FDVH LWÂśV FOHDU WKDW 1RUWK &DUROLQD QHHGV WR HQG WKH VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ V\VWHP ZKHUH one person makes all the investment decisions. Less than D KDQGIXO RI VWDWHV VWLOO XVH D VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ WR RYHUVHH their pension funds. SEANC has been the leading voice WR PRYH 1RUWK &DUROLQD IURP D VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ V\VWHP WR RQH ZKHUH D ERDUG PDNHV LQYHVWPHQW GHFLVLRQV 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 FRQWLQXHV WR EH D ZDWFKGRJ IRU \RXU UHWLUHPHQW EHQHÂżWV Previously the North Carolina Court of Appeals UXOHG DJDLQVW 6($1& LQ D GHFLVLRQ LQ 1RYHPEHU saying those requesting public records should list the documents by name. The decision was perplexing to SEANC attorneys who prepared documents asking IRU VSHFLÂżF GRFXPHQWV WKDW WKH DVVRFLDWLRQ KDG \HW WR UHFHLYH $V D UHVXOW 6($1&ÂśV %RDUG RI *RYHUQRUV voted to appeal that ruling during its November meeting.

BY

MARY ADELAIDE BELL

Public Records Suit Heads to Supreme Court

P UBLICATION OF THE S TATE E MPLOYEES A SSOCIATION OF N ORTH C AROLINA s M AY 2010 s V OL . 28 N O . 3 s C IRCULATION 55,000

State Employees Association of North Carolina P.O. Drawer 27727 Raleigh, NC 27611

Raleigh, NC

PAID Periodical Postage

1

mbell@seanc.org

seanc_d4@yahoo.com PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS

As Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m driving alone on the back roads of Gaston &RXQW\ IRU P\ MRE DV D VXUYHLOODQFH RIÂżFHU , KDYH plenty of time to think. I think about whether or not the probationer that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m about to visit has a GRJ VR , DOZD\V UHPHPEHU WR WDS WKH KRUQ EHIRUH , get out of the car. I think about whether or not the probationerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all 82 of them.

I also think about what it would be like to KDYH RQH MRE Âą QRW D MRE EXW RQH MRE , KDWH WR VD\ LW EXW P\ RQH MRE ZRUNLQJ IRU WKH 'LYLVLRQ RI Community Corrections doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay all my bills and my daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college tuition. So I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just work one job or even two jobs. I work any odd job Âą FXWWLQJ JUDVV VSUHDGLQJ PXOFK Âą ZKDWHYHU , FDQ to make a dollar.

7KLV EULQJV PH WR 6($1&ÂśV /REE\ 'D\ RQ -XQH ,ÂśP JRLQJ DQG , ZDQW \RX WR MRLQ PH 7KLV LV P\ UHDOLW\ P\ VWRU\ ,WÂśV LPSRUWDQW EXW LWÂśV RQO\ one story. We need to tell hundreds of stories. We must tell our elected leaders about the services we SURYLGH DQG ZK\ WKH\ DUH LPSRUWDQW WR HYHU\RQH 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 DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK LQVXUDQFH VN\URFNHW ZKLOH WKH 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 SLFWXUH EXW WKH GHPDQGV IRU VHUYLFHV ZH SURYLGH continue to increase as well as the workload of each employee.

If state employees do not show that we are GLVVDWLVÂżHG ZLWK WKH ODFN RI UDLVHV VN\URFNHWLQJ insurance costs and more demands being placed RQ XV DW ZRUN WKHQ ZH FDQ H[SHFW PRUH RI WKH same. I have also heard people stating that they are XQFRPIRUWDEOH WDONLQJ WR OHJLVODWRUV :HOO OHW PH WHOO \RX WKHVH IRONV SXW WKHLU SDQWV RQ RQH OHJ DW D WLPH MXVW OLNH \RX DQG , GR DQG \RX GRQÂśW KDYH to speak to them as though you have a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GHJUHH , XUJH \RX WR EH RSHQ XSIURQW DQG KRQHVW DERXW KRZ \RX DUH VWUXJJOLQJ WR PDNH HQGV PHHW

8

THE

PUBLIC POLICY

PUBLIC POLICY

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 childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Ten Policy Platform Objectives to improve the quality and affordability of health care for all Americans.

How Federal Health Reform BeneďŹ ts North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Employees and Retirees

BY CHUCK STONE, DIRECTOR OF NORTH CAROLINIANS FOR AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

2010 Â&#x2021; $OORZV GHSHQGHQW FKLOGUHQ WR UHPDLQ RQ WKH parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Health Plan (SHP) coverage to age 26 (even if not enrolled in college) Â&#x2021; (OLPLQDWHV GHQLDO RI FRYHUDJH RI FKLOGUHQ IRU pre-existing conditions by private insurance FRPSDQLHV ZKLFK FRXOG UHVXOW LQ ORZHU SUHPLXPV for children Â&#x2021; 3URKLELWV OLIHWLPH FDSV RQ FRYHUDJH Â&#x2021; %DQV LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQLHV IURP GURSSLQJ coverage when people get sick Â&#x2021; $OORZV XQLQVXUHG DGXOWV ZLWK SUH H[LVWLQJ conditions to obtain coverage through a VXEVLGL]HG KLJK ULVN SRRO WKH SURJUDP H[SLUHV LQ ZKHQ QHZ LQVXUDQFH H[FKDQJHV EHJLQ operating Â&#x2021; 3URYLGHV IHGHUDO UHLPEXUVHPHQW SD\PHQWV RI FODLPV WR WKH 6+3 IRU HDFK QRQ 0HGLFDUH UHWLUHH thus reducing state appropriations needed for the 6+3

Â&#x2021; 5HGXFHV WKH ÂłKLGGHQ WD[´ RI WKDW LQVXUHG N.C. families pay annually in higher premiums DQG UHGXFHG KHDOWK EHQHÂżWV WR RII VHW WKH FRVWV RI the uninsured (2010-2018)

2011 Â&#x2021; (OLPLQDWHV VRPH FXUUHQW GHGXFWLEOHV DQG RXW of-pocket expenses for certain preventative care VHUYLFHV LQ WKH 6+3 VXFK DV DJH DSSURSULDWH colonoscopies

Â&#x2021; 2IIHUV IUHH SUHYHQWLYH FDUH LQFOXGLQJ DQQXDO ZHOOQHVV H[DPV DQG HOLPLQDWHV RXW RI SRFNHW FR SD\V IRU ZHOOQHVV VFUHHQLQJV VXFK DV FDQFHU and diabetes

IRU DQ LQGLYLGXDO DQG \HDU IRU D IDPLO\ WKH State Health Plan is not in this category since the VWDWH RQO\ SD\V D PD[LPXP SHU \HDU IRU DQ employee and $0 for a family. (2018)

2014

Medicare (Seniors and People with Disabilities)

Â&#x2021; 3URYLGHV IHGHUDO VXEVLGLHV WR DVVLVW IDPLOLHV LQ SD\LQJ GHSHQGHQW KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH SUHPLXPV thus reducing dependent expenses to many state employee families (families of four earning \HDU RU OHVV

Â&#x2021; $OORZV SXUFKDVH RI GHSHQGHQW FRYHUDJH WKURXJK state insurance exchanges Â&#x2021; (OLPLQDWHV GHQLDO RI FRYHUDJH IRU SUH H[LVWLQJ conditions by private insurance companies Â&#x2021; ([SDQGV 0HGLFDLG WR SHUFHQW RI IHGHUDO SRYHUW\ OHYHO IRU D IDPLO\ RI IRXU DQG LQFOXGHV FKLOGOHVV DGXOWV IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH Â&#x2021; 3ODFHV DQQXDO FDSV RQ PD[LPXP RXW RI SRFNHW expenses Â&#x2021; 5HTXLUHV PRVW 8 6 FLWL]HQV DQG OHJDO UHVLGHQWV to have health insurance with limited exceptions EDVHG RQ LQFRPH KRZHYHU IHGHUDO VXEVLGLHV DUH available (see above) Â&#x2021; 3KDVHV LQ D WD[ SHQDOW\ IRU WKRVH IDLOLQJ WR FDUU\ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH DW \HDU LQ DQG LQFUHDVLQJ WR a maximum of 2.5 percent of taxable income in 2016 NOTE: While the legislation imposes an excise tax RQ KLJK GROODU KHDOWK SODQV H[FHHGLQJ \HDU

Â&#x2021; 5HEDWHV WR 0HGLFDUH UHFLSLHQWV DIIHFWHG E\ the donut hole (2010) Â&#x2021; 3URYLGHV IUHH SUHYHQWLYH FDUH LQFOXGLQJ DQQXDO wellness exams and elimination of out-of-pocket FR SD\PHQWV IRU SUHYHQWLYH EHQHÂżWV VXFK DV FDQFHU and diabetes screening (2011) Â&#x2021; 3KDVHV LQ HOLPLQDWLRQ RI 0HGLFDUH 3DUW ' GRQXW KROH DOORZLQJ SXUFKDVH RI QHHGHG PHGLFDWLRQV (2010-2020) Â&#x2021; 5HGXFHV 0HGLFDUH 3DUW % SUHPLXP LQFUHDVHV IRU the 1.2 million seniors not enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (2011) Â&#x2021; (QVXUHV 0HGLFDUH $GYDQWDJH SODQV PXVW VSHQG more money on patient care and less on executive bonuses (2011-2015) Â&#x2021; 2IIHUV D YROXQWDU\ SURJUDP &/$66 WR SURYLGH community-based services for people with severe disabilities (2011) Â&#x2021; 3URYLGHV SHUFHQW ERQXV SD\PHQWV WR SULPDU\ FDUH SK\VLFLDQV DQG JHQHUDO VXUJHRQV

cstone@seanc.org

SEANC Members Turned Activists BY

DANA COPE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

)LQDOO\ Âą YLFWRU\ RQ KHDOWK FDUH 7KLV KLVWRULF KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH UHIRUP ELOO LV QRZ ODZ 'LG \RX know that the debate over health care has been ongoing since the beginning of the 20th century EDFN ZKHQ 3UHVLGHQW 7KHRGRUH 5RRVHYHOW Âą QRW )'5 P\ IULHQGV Âą EXW ZKHQ 7HGG\ 5RRVHYHOW ZDV in office?

The national health care debate was exciting to me for many reasons. It accomplished one RI 6($1&ÂśV 7RS 7HQ 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP 2EMHFWLYHV WKDW Âł6($1& ZLOO support federal and state legislation to provide access to quality and DIIRUGDEOH KHDOWK FDUH IRU DOO 8QLWHG 6WDWHV FLWL]HQV ´ 2Q D SHUVRQDO OHYHO LW DIILUPHG P\ GHHSO\ KHOG EHOLHI WKDW KHDOWK FDUH LV D PRUDO ULJKW WR HYHU\ PDQ ZRPDQ DQG FKLOG LQ $PHULFD $OWKRXJK QRW D SHUIHFW ELOO E\ DQ\ PHDQV LW LV WKH ODZ RI WKH ODQG ,W PHDQV RXU GHSHQGHQWV FDQ REWDLQ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH ZLWK SUH H[LVWLQJ FRQGLWLRQV LW PHDQV WKDW \RX can insure your children through age 26 and much more. The health care debate also brought home what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been saying for years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; namely ZKDW KDSSHQV LQ :DVKLQJWRQ ' & GLUHFWO\ DIIHFWV 1RUWK &DUROLQD $QG LWÂśV RQH RI WKH UHDVRQV WKDW 6($1& FKRVH WR EHFRPH 6($1& 6(,8 Local 2008.

Cope One of the ways that it affected North Carolina and SEANC members LQ SDUWLFXODU ZDV WKDW ZH JRW DFWLYH LQ D PHDQLQJIXO SHUVRQDO ZD\ 1RW RQO\ GLG ZH ZULWH OHWWHUV PDNH SKRQH FDOOV VLJQ SHWLWLRQV DQG ODXQFK D KHDOWK UHIRUP :HE VLWH EXW ZH SXW RXU ERRWV RQ WKH ground time and time again as health care activists. We told our personal health care stories â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DERXW RXU VHFRQG MREV WR SD\ IRU RXU IDPLO\ KHDOWK FDUH DERXW RXU IDPLO\ PHPEHUV QR ORQJHU ZLWK us because of their lack of or denial of health care and about the injustice of even having to have WKLV FRQYHUVDWLRQ LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV RI $PHULFD It was SEANC members who became the go-to health care activists and leaders for change LQ RXU FRPPXQLWLHV QRW MXVW LQ 5DOHLJK EXW VWDWHZLGH 2XU PHPEHUV KHOG KHDOWK FDUH IRUXPV LQ *UHHQYLOOH /LOOLQJWRQ .LQVWRQ &ROID[ 0RUJDQWRQ 5DOHLJK %XUJDZ %XWQHU DQG &O\GH WKDW GUHZ WKRXVDQGV RI HYHU\GD\ SHRSOH IRU DQG DJDLQVW KHDOWK FDUH UHIRUP 8 6 &RQJUHVVPHQ WKH PHGLD and most importantly our members. We protested outside of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North &DUROLQDÂśV FRUSRUDWH KHDGTXDUWHUV UDOOLHG LQ 5DOHLJK LQ VXSSRUW RI 5HS %RE (WKHULGJH SURWHVWHG LQ &RQFRUG LQ RSSRVLWLRQ WR 5HS /DUU\ .LVVHOO DQG PDGH RXU YRLFHV KHDUG LQ QHZVSDSHUV RQ 79 on facebook and across the blogosphere.

The event that made me the proudest was when more than 200 of our SEANC activists and IULHQGV DQVZHUHG WKH FDOO WR MRLQ RXU EURWKHUV DQG VLVWHUV LQ :DVKLQJWRQ ' & WR UDOO\ LQ VXSSRUW of health care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of whom woke up before 3:00 a.m. to do so.

1DWLRQDO KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH UHIRUP LV D UHDOLW\ EXW WKH ZRUN RQ KHDOWK FDUH GRHVQœW VWRS QRZ :H PXVW FRQWLQXH LW DW WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ WKLV PRQWK 6($1& DFWLYLVWV FRPH MRLQ PH WKLV PRQWK IRU 1RUWK &DUROLQD 2UJDQL]HU &RUSV 12& WUDLQLQJ DQG 6($1&œV /REE\ 'D\ RQ -XQH $V RQH SURYHUE JRHV ³6RPH SHRSOH PDNH WKLQJV KDSSHQ VRPH ZDWFK WKLQJV KDSSHQ ZKLOH RWKHUV ZRQGHU ZKDW KDV KDSSHQHG ´ :HOO 6($1& PHPEHUV KDYH VKRZQ WKURXJK WKHLU WLUHOHVV 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.

National health insurance reform will bring real protections and key beneďŹ ts that take effect this year.

1. Lifetime limits and restricted annual limits on coverage are eliminated. ,I ZH JHW VLFN LQVXUDQFH companies canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drop us.

3. Our children can stay covered under our policy until the age of 26.

2XU FKLOGUHQ FDQÂśW EH GHQLHG 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 LPPXQL]DWLRQV 7. Tax credits will be available for small businesses who offer coverage.

dcope@seanc.org

July 2009 SEIU International grants funds for SEANC member organizers to hold state legislators accountable for their State Health Plan vote and to educate members on national health insurance reform.

August-September 2009 SEANC hosts a dozen health reform town hall meetings across the state; several congressmen, including Rep. Bob Etheridge, speak at the forums.

PHOTO BY ERICA BALDWIN

PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS

November 2009

March 2010

SEANC launches www.stopbcbs.com to call on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C. to stop using health care dollars to fund anti-reform efforts.

SEANC District 39 member Shoshana Serxner shows support for Rep. Etheridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pro-health reform stance.

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY MARY ADELAIDE BELL

December 2008January 2009 SEANC members visit nine North Carolina congressmen, including Rep. G.K. ButterďŹ eld, to ask for their support of health care reform.

July 2009 SEANC members and health care advocates protest outside of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C., which spent big dollars trying to block health insurance reform.

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

August 2009

March 2010

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.

More than 200 SEANC members go to Washington, D.C. in support of health insurance reform.

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

9

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

16

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

tdavis@seanc.org

*Incumbents. Italicized names are SEANC members.

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 UHFHLYLQJ DQ HQGRUVHPHQW IURP WKH VWDWHZLGH (03$& HDFK FDQGLGDWH ZDV LQWHUYLHZHG DQG DSSURYHG E\ WKHLU ORFDO DUHD (03$& WHDP 7R OHDUQ PRUH DERXW (03$& DQG WKH QRPLQDWLQJ SURFHVV JR WR WKH EMPAC section of the SEANC Web site at www.seanc.org.

Endorsement Process

13 21 28 3 7

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

Dist. Candidate (Party)

RALEIGH Âą 7KH (PSOR\HHV 3ROLWLFDO $FWLRQ &RPPLWWHH (03$&

D VXEVLGLDU\ RI 6($1& PHW RQ 0DUFK DQG YRWHG WR PDNH endorsements for the 2010 North Carolina General Assembly May SULPDU\ HOHFWLRQV 7HQ RI WKH HQGRUVHG FDQGLGDWHV DUH 6($1& members. Âł7KH (03$& HQGRUVHPHQW PHDQV WKH ZRUOG WR PH ,W WHOOV PH P\ ZRUN DW WKH '09 ZDV YDOXHG E\ P\ IHOORZ HPSOR\HHV ,I HOHFWHG , ZLOO EH DFFHVVLEOH DQG DFFRXQWDEOH WR WKH SHRSOH ZKR SXW PH LQ RIÂżFH DQG , ZLOO ZRUN WR UHSHDO * 6 Â&#x2020; Âą WKH VWDWXWH WKDW SURKLELWV SXEOLF HPSOR\HH FROOHFWLYH EDUJDLQLQJ ´ VDLG 6($1& PHPEHU )UHG )RVWHU D UHWLUHG 'LYLVLRQ RI 0RWRU 9HKLFOHV RIÂżFHU UXQQLQJ IRU +RXVH 'LVWULFW ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR UHYLHZLQJ DQG HQGRUVLQJ VWDWHZLGH FDQGLGDWHV (03$& YRWHG WR HVWDEOLVK D SURFHVV to endorse in federal House and Senate races. The committee also voted to conduct general election LQWHUYLHZV LQ WKH XSFRPLQJ 8 6 6HQDWH UDFH 2Q 0D\ YRWHUV LQ WKH 'HPRFUDWLF SULPDU\ ZLOO GHFLGH ZKHWKHU 6HFUHWDU\ RI 6WDWH (ODLQH 0DUVKDOO D 6($1& PHPEHU RU IRUPHU VWDWH UHSUHVHQWDWLYH &DO Cunningham will compete for the Senate seat currently held by Richard Burr.

North Carolina Senate 20 33 39 41 41 43 47 55 58 61 70 94 99 115

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

Dist. Candidate (Party) BY

TONI DAVIS

Primed to Vote: EMPAC Endorses 10 SEANC Members in May 4 Primary

Counties Counties

North Carolina House

EMPAC Endorsements

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 WKURXJK \HDUV ZLWK QR SD\ LQFUHDVHV ZKLOH ZH EXLOW EULGJHV WR QRZKHUH DQG RYHU SULFHG ÂżVKLQJ SLHUV EXW HQRXJK LV HQRXJK , ZDQW WR HQFRXUDJH each of you to attend this lobby day. :H 6($1& DUH WKH UHFRJQL]HG YRLFH RI VWDWH HPSOR\HHV :H FRQWLQXH WR JURZ EXW ZH must continue to have legislators stand up and WDNH QRWLFH WKDW ZH FDQQRW QRU ZLOO QRW DFFHSW another health insurance increase to our monthly bills. We endorsed and helped elect over half of WKH OHJLVODWLYH ERG\ DQG QRZ LW LV WLPH IRU WKHP to hear from us loud and clear â&#x20AC;&#x201C; represent those ZKR KHOSHG JHW \RX HOHFWHG RU ÂżQG DQRWKHU FDUHHU 7KHVH DUH WKLQJV WKDW , WKLQN DERXW HYHU\ GD\ EXW now is the time for us to stop talking and start acting.

Now I know that people are pressed for everything â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially time and money. I have KHDUG SHRSOH VD\ Âł, FDQÂśW DIIRUG WR WDNH WKH GD\ RII WR JR WR 5DOHLJK ´ %XW , KDYH WR WHOO \RX SHRSOH we cannot afford not to attend.

So go to the SEANC Web site and sign up for lobby day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for the talkers to take action.

Jimmy Davis of District 4 urges every SEANC member to take action by attending lobby day.

BY JIMMY DAVIS, DISTRICT 4 CHAIRMAN

Stop Talking, Start Acting: See you at Lobby Day June 8

2Q 0DUFK WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6XSUHPH &RXUW heard oral arguments in SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public records ODZVXLW DJDLQVW WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 6WDWH 7UHDVXUHU and former State Treasurer Richard Moore. $W LVVXH ZDV ZKHWKHU RU QRW 6($1& KDG ÂżOHG ÂłD FODLP XSRQ ZKLFK UHOLHI FDQ EH JUDQWHG ´ NQRZQ LQ OHJDO FLUFOHV DV D E

PRWLRQ WR GLVPLVV UHIHUULQJ to a section of the North Carolina Rules of Civil 3URFHGXUH ZKHQ WKH DVVRFLDWLRQ VXHG IRUPHU 7UHDVXUHU Moore under the Public Records Act. SEANC filed the lawsuit in February 2008 following nearly a year of incomplete answers to public UHFRUGV UHTXHVWV ,Q 0DUFK DQG 2FWREHU RI 6($1& made public records requests following a slew of media WKDW UDLVHG ÂłSD\ WR SOD\´ TXHVWLRQV UHJDUGLQJ WKH VWDWH pension fund. Numerous articles in local and national media questioned whether Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment practices could have been politically motivated. He was the sole trustee of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s then $75 billion pension fund.

SEANC is supported in its appeal by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) and WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 3UHVV $VVRFLDWLRQ 1&3$ ZKRVH members make public records requests similar to 6($1&ÂśV ZLWK D )ULHQG RI WKH &RXUW EULHI ,Q WKHLU EULHI 1&3$ DQG 1&$% DUJXH WKDW LI OLPLWHG E\ WKH W\SH RI SXEOLF UHFRUGV UHTXHVWV WKH\ DUH DEOH WR PDNH ÂłLQFOXGLQJ GLVFORVXUHV RI GRFXPHQWV UHSRUWHUV EHOLHYH H[LVW EXW FDQQRW OLVW E\ QDPH DW WKH SOHDGLQJ VWDJH WKH publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge of its government will suffer.â&#x20AC;? Âł7KLV DSSHDO LV LPSRUWDQW EHFDXVH WKH UHFRUGV sought will help SEANC determine if investment decisions were possibly based on politics rather than WKH EHVW LQWHUHVW RI UHWLUHPHQW V\VWHP PHPEHUV ´ VDLG SEANC General Counsel Tom Harris.

1R PDWWHU WKH RXWFRPH RI WKLV FDVH LWÂśV FOHDU WKDW 1RUWK &DUROLQD QHHGV WR HQG WKH VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ V\VWHP ZKHUH one person makes all the investment decisions. Less than D KDQGIXO RI VWDWHV VWLOO XVH D VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ WR RYHUVHH their pension funds. SEANC has been the leading voice WR PRYH 1RUWK &DUROLQD IURP D VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ V\VWHP WR RQH ZKHUH D ERDUG PDNHV LQYHVWPHQW GHFLVLRQV 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 FRQWLQXHV WR EH D ZDWFKGRJ IRU \RXU UHWLUHPHQW EHQHÂżWV Previously the North Carolina Court of Appeals UXOHG DJDLQVW 6($1& LQ D GHFLVLRQ LQ 1RYHPEHU saying those requesting public records should list the documents by name. The decision was perplexing to SEANC attorneys who prepared documents asking IRU VSHFLÂżF GRFXPHQWV WKDW WKH DVVRFLDWLRQ KDG \HW WR UHFHLYH $V D UHVXOW 6($1&ÂśV %RDUG RI *RYHUQRUV voted to appeal that ruling during its November meeting.

BY

MARY ADELAIDE BELL

Public Records Suit Heads to Supreme Court

P UBLICATION OF THE S TATE E MPLOYEES A SSOCIATION OF N ORTH C AROLINA s M AY 2010 s V OL . 28 N O . 3 s C IRCULATION 55,000

State Employees Association of North Carolina P.O. Drawer 27727 Raleigh, NC 27611

Raleigh, NC

PAID Periodical Postage

1

mbell@seanc.org

seanc_d4@yahoo.com PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS

As Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m driving alone on the back roads of Gaston &RXQW\ IRU P\ MRE DV D VXUYHLOODQFH RIÂżFHU , KDYH plenty of time to think. I think about whether or not the probationer that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m about to visit has a GRJ VR , DOZD\V UHPHPEHU WR WDS WKH KRUQ EHIRUH , get out of the car. I think about whether or not the probationerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all 82 of them.

I also think about what it would be like to KDYH RQH MRE Âą QRW D MRE EXW RQH MRE , KDWH WR VD\ LW EXW P\ RQH MRE ZRUNLQJ IRU WKH 'LYLVLRQ RI Community Corrections doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay all my bills and my daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college tuition. So I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just work one job or even two jobs. I work any odd job Âą FXWWLQJ JUDVV VSUHDGLQJ PXOFK Âą ZKDWHYHU , FDQ to make a dollar.

7KLV EULQJV PH WR 6($1&ÂśV /REE\ 'D\ RQ -XQH ,ÂśP JRLQJ DQG , ZDQW \RX WR MRLQ PH 7KLV LV P\ UHDOLW\ P\ VWRU\ ,WÂśV LPSRUWDQW EXW LWÂśV RQO\ one story. We need to tell hundreds of stories. We must tell our elected leaders about the services we SURYLGH DQG ZK\ WKH\ DUH LPSRUWDQW WR HYHU\RQH 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 DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK LQVXUDQFH VN\URFNHW ZKLOH WKH 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 SLFWXUH EXW WKH GHPDQGV IRU VHUYLFHV ZH SURYLGH continue to increase as well as the workload of each employee.

If state employees do not show that we are GLVVDWLVÂżHG ZLWK WKH ODFN RI UDLVHV VN\URFNHWLQJ insurance costs and more demands being placed RQ XV DW ZRUN WKHQ ZH FDQ H[SHFW PRUH RI WKH same. I have also heard people stating that they are XQFRPIRUWDEOH WDONLQJ WR OHJLVODWRUV :HOO OHW PH WHOO \RX WKHVH IRONV SXW WKHLU SDQWV RQ RQH OHJ DW D WLPH MXVW OLNH \RX DQG , GR DQG \RX GRQÂśW KDYH to speak to them as though you have a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GHJUHH , XUJH \RX WR EH RSHQ XSIURQW DQG KRQHVW DERXW KRZ \RX DUH VWUXJJOLQJ WR PDNH HQGV PHHW

8

THE

COLUMNS

PUBLIC POLICY

Counselorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comments

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

SEE-nik. Hard to say. Easy to join.

BY TOM HARRIS

BY TONY SMITH

SEANC CHIEF OF STAFF/GENERAL COUNSEL

Beware of Scams in Economic Downturn

Time to Gear Up for the Legislative Session 7KH 1RUWK &DUROLQD *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ UHFRQYHQHV RQ :HGQHVGD\ 0D\ DQG 6($1& /REE\ 'D\ LV 7XHVGD\ -XQH 7KHVH DUH WZR LPSRUWDQW dates that I want yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;all to keep in mind over the coming weeks. We have a lot RI ZRUN WR GR DQG , LQYLWH \RX WR MRLQ PH DW WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ RQ -XQH IRU 6($1& /REE\ 'D\ WR KHOS JHW LW GRQH 7KLV \HDU LV D VKRUW OHJLVODWLYH VHVVLRQ EXW LW is also an election year. This means we have less WLPH WR DFKLHYH RXU OHJLVODWLYH JRDOV DQG ZH ZLOO be dealing with distracted legislators. We need to remind our elected officials that they need to focus on more than their re-election campaigns â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they need to keep their eyes and minds on the business at hand this session.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re facing another year of challenges. In D 0DUFK 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH LW ZDV Smith reported that the state is forecasting another EXGJHW VKRUWIDOO ZKLFK PHDQV WKDW VWDWH HPSOR\HHV DQG WHDFKHUV VKRXOGQÂśW expect pay raises.

We need to make our presence known to the ladies and gentlemen on -RQHV 6WUHHW $V EXGJHW LWHPV DUH UHYLHZHG ZH QHHG WR HQVXUH WKDW WKH\ know they cannot continue to balance the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. :H KDYH PDGH JDLQV WKLV \HDU EXW ZH VWLOO KDYH ZRUN WR GR :H KDYH JDLQHG WKH ULJKW WR PHHW DQG FRQIHU WKURXJK ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU EXW ZH VWLOO QHHG WR OREE\ RXU OHJLVODWRUV WR UHSHDO * 6 Â&#x2020; )HGHUDO KHDOWK FDUH UHIRUP SDVVHG DQG ZDV VLJQHG LQWR ODZ EXW WKH 6WDWH +HDOWK 3ODQ LV VWLOO under the oversight of the General Assembly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we need to encourage our legislators to move its oversight to another agency.

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just need the active state employees coming out for SEANC /REE\ 'D\ LQ -XQH ZH QHHG DOO WKH UHWLUHHV DV ZHOO 0DQ\ LPSRUWDQW UHWLUHH LVVXHV ZLOO DOVR EH WDNHQ XS LQ WKLV VKRUW VHVVLRQ 'XULQJ WKH VHVVLRQ ELOOV ZHUH LQWURGXFHG WR JLYH HTXDO WD[ WUHDWPHQW IRU DOO JRYHUQPHQW HPSOR\HHV ZKLFK ZRXOG SURYLGH VWDWH WD[ H[HPSWLRQ IRU DOO UHWLUHHV DQG WR FKDQJH the retirement system from one person â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the state treasurer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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.

6R OHWÂśV JHW JHDUHG XS IRU WKLV OHJLVODWLYH VHVVLRQ ,W PD\ EH VKRUW EXW ZH can make sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s productive. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all come together to raise our voices on -XQH DQG OHW WKH OHJLVODWXUH NQRZ ZH PHDQ EXVLQHVV

7KH IDOWHULQJ HFRQRP\ KDV OHG PDQ\ SHRSOH WR ORRN IRU ³HDV\´ PRQH\ EH LW E\ ZD\ RI WKH VWDWH ORWWHU\ ZKLFK LV OHJLWLPDWH RU WKURXJK RIIHUV ZH JHW WKURXJK WKH PDLO SKRQH RU ,QWHUQHW PDQ\ RI ZKLFK DUH VFDPV +HUH DUH D FRXSOH RI VFDPV WR watch out for that use counterfeit or fake checks.

Check overpayment scams target consumers VHOOLQJ FDUV RU RWKHU YDOXDEOH LWHPV WKURXJK FODVVLÂżHG DGV RU RQOLQH DXFWLRQ VLWHV 8QVXVSHFWLQJ VHOOHUV JHW VWXFN ZKHQ VFDPPHUV SDVV RII ERJXV FDVKLHUÂśV corporate and personal checks. The scam artist replies WR WKH DG RU SRVWLQJ RIIHUV WR SD\ IRU WKH LWHP DQG 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.

7KH VHOOHU GRHV LW DQG ODWHU ZKHQ WKH VFDPPHUÂśV FKHFN ERXQFHV WKH VHOOHU LV OHIW OLDEOH IRU WKH HQWLUH DPRXQW Harris In secret shopper scams, the consumer hired to be a secret shopper is asked to evaluate the effectiveness of a money transfer VHUYLFH 7KH FRQVXPHU LV JLYHQ D FKHFN WROG WR GHSRVLW LW LQ WKHLU EDQN DFFRXQW DQG ZLWKGUDZ WKH DPRXQW LQ FDVK 7KHQ WKH FRQVXPHU LV WROG WR WDNH WKH FDVK WR WKH PRQH\ WUDQVIHU VHUYLFH VSHFLÂżHG DQG W\SLFDOO\ WR VHQG WKH WUDQVIHU WR D SHUVRQ LQ D &DQDGLDQ FLW\ 7KHQ WKH FRQVXPHU LV VXSSRVHG WR HYDOXDWH WKHLU H[SHULHQFH EXW no one collects the evaluation. The secret shopper scam is just a scam to get the consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money.

You and your bank â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who is responsible for what? 8QGHU IHGHUDO ODZ EDQNV PXVW PDNH IXQGV DYDLODEOH WR \RX IURP 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 7UHDVXU\ FKHFNV RIÂżFLDO EDQN FKHFNV FDVKLHUÂśV FHUWLÂżHG DQG WHOOHUV FKHFNV DQG FKHFNV SDLG E\ JRYHUQPHQW DJHQFLHV DW WKH RSHQLQJ RI WKH GD\ DIWHU \RX GHSRVLW WKH FKHFN )RU RWKHU FKHFNV EDQNV PXVW VLPLODUO\ PDNH WKH ÂżUVW DYDLODEOH WKH GD\ DIWHU \RX GHSRVLW WKH check. The remaining funds are available on the second day after the deposit if SD\DEOH E\ D ORFDO EDQN DQG ZLWKLQ ÂżYH GD\V LI GUDZQ RQ GLVWDQW EDQNV +RZHYHU MXVW EHFDXVH IXQGV DUH DYDLODEOH RQ D FKHFN \RXÂśYH GHSRVLWHG GRHV QRW mean the check is good. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best not to rely on money from any type of check unless \RX NQRZ DQG WUXVW WKH SHUVRQ \RX DUH GHDOLQJ ZLWK RU XQWLO WKH EDQN FRQÂżUPV WKDW WKH FKHFN KDV FOHDUHG 7KH ERWWRP OLQH LV WKDW XQWLO WKH EDQN FRQÂżUPV WKDW WKH IXQGV IURP WKH FKHFN KDYH EHHQ GHSRVLWHG LQWR \RXU DFFRXQW \RX DUH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU DQ\ funds you withdraw against that account.

If you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a victim or have been targeted E\ D FRXQWHUIHLW FKHFN VFDP UHSRUW LW WR WKH IROORZLQJ DJHQFLHV 7KH )HGHUDO 7UDGH &RPPLVVLRQ DW ZZZ IWF JRY RU )7& +(/3 WKH 8 6 3RVWDO 6HUYLFH DW ZZZ XVSV JRY ZHEVLWHV GHSDUW LQVSHFW RU FDOO \RXU ORFDO SRVW RIÂżFH RU WKH &RQVXPHU 3URWHFWLRQ 'LYLVLRQ RI WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDOÂśV 2IÂżFH DW 12 6&$0 $V VWDWH HPSOR\HHV DQG UHWLUHHV ZH NQRZ WKHUH LV QR HDV\ PRQH\ VR LI \RX UHFHLYH DQ RIIHU WKDW ORRNV WRR JRRG WR EH WUXH FKDQFHV DUH LW LV

tsmith@seanc.org

tharris@seanc.org

bly building)

Join Us for SEANC Lobby Day

Making benefits count for SEANC Members!

'RXJ 6XWWRQ ,QVXUDQFH 6HUYLFHV Providing quality and affordable insurance to SEANC members for over 30 years.

SEANC members enjoy the convenience of using Colonial Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Call Center to apply for coverage over the phone with one of our Benefit Representatives.

We appreciate doing business with you!

New for North Carolina Retirees!

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s What to Do: Visit the Colonial Life website

Colonial Life Products:

or obtain a SEANC Handbook for specific product information youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need prior to calling the Call Center.

https://www.coloniallife.com/callcenter

Cancer Insurance (with optional $5,000 initial diagnosis benefit)

Dial the Benefit Enrollment

Critical Illness Insurance

Call Center toll free at

(up to $10,000 in benefits, with no taxes being due at the point of claim)

1.866.265.3599.

Hospital Confinement Indemnity Insurance (offered on a guaranteed issue basis)

Whole Life Insurance

Raleigh Area: Danny Cotten 919.552.8584 jwcj2@earthlink.net

Policies have exclusions and limitations that may affect benefits payable.

Statewide: Ken Lang 1.888.SEANC 4 U (toll free) klang@roberttaylorgroup.com

Please call us if we can be of service.

Colonial Life 1200 Colonial Life Boulevard Columbia, South Carolina 29210 coloniallife.com

Colonial Life products are underwritten by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, for which Colonial Life is the marketing brand.

02/10

71750-1

RU 7ROO )UHH STATEWIDE SALES AND SERVICE

&DVK 3RLQWV

*OREDO

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(YHU\ZKHUH

June 8, 2010 U 10:00 a.m. U Halifax Mall, Raleigh Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?ÇĄ ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D; Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022; ÇŚ Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Ǩ

(just outside the General Assembly building)

A L L S E A N C M E M B E R S & S TAT E E M P L O Y E E S I N V I T E D !

Fran Albritton, LUTCF Locust, NC

Rob Jernigan Fayetteville, NC

Ty Cobb, CFP Angier, NC

Scott Kittrell Sanford, NC

Junior Edge Fayetteville, NC

Shelley Kittrell Sanford, NC

Steve Hamilton, LUTCF Barnardsville, NC

Page Simpson Raleigh, NC

Chris Harris Greenville, NC

Jeff Tate Henderson, NC

John Hill New Bern, NC

Will Walters Fayetteville, NC

Kevin Hill New Bern, NC

Chris Woodby Burnsville, NC

Ron Jackson Raleigh, NC

Mark Younts Salisbury, NC

3527(&7,9( /,)(

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.

NC State Employees Service Office 8364 Six Forks Road Suite 200 Raleigh, NC 27615 Toll Free 800-334-1217 Local 919-844-1777 www.ncbenefits.com

&DVK 3RLQWV *OREDO LV D FRQWUROOHG VSHQGLQJ GHELW FDUG WLHG WR DQ 6(&8 DFFRXQW

All State E

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THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

7

2

For more information, please contact Tiffany Woodard at 800-222-2758 or twoodard@seanc.org.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

10

GRXJVXWWRQ#GRXJVXWWRQLQV FRP

15

continued on page 3 WILSON Âą 2Q -DQXDU\ HPSOR\HHV RI WKH (DVWHUQ 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6FKRRO IRU WKH 'HDI LQ :LOVRQ WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6FKRRO IRU WKH 'HDI LQ Morganton and the Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh received reduction-in-force (RIF) letters IURP WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI +HDOWK DQG +XPDQ 6HUYLFHV '++6 2IÂżFH RI (GXFDWLRQ 6HUYLFHV 2(6 DQG ZHUH JLYHQ XQWLO -DQXDU\ WR DFFHSW UHGXFHG KRXUV and pay or to decline the offer and lose their jobs. Âł,WÂśV D VDIHW\ LVVXH ´ VDLG 6($1& 'LVWULFW PHPEHU 5XG\ &URRP D IRUPHU VWXGHQW DQG FXUUHQW HPSOR\HH LQ :LOVRQ ZKR FDPH WR 6($1& IRU KHOS Croomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 WKH GRUPV FUHDWHV D KXJH VDIHW\ KD]DUG IRU H[DPSOH LI D ÂżUH ZHUH WR KDSSHQ LW ZRXOG EH GLIÂżFXOW WR JHW each child out safely.

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'XULQJ D 0DUFK PHHWLQJ 6($1& KHOG IRU HPSOR\HHV DQG FRQFHUQHG SDUHQWV LQ :LOVRQ WHDFKHUV VDLG WKDW 0RQGD\V DUH GLIÂżFXOW QRZ EHFDXVH many students are bussed for several hours and do not receive their needed medications until they DUULYH DW VFKRRO %HVLGHV GHDIQHVV PDQ\ VWXGHQWV VXIIHU IURP QXPHURXV GLVDELOLWLHV DQG WKH WLPLQJ RI medications can greatly affect productivity.

'XH WR WKH OD\RIIV DQG UHGXFHG KRXUV WKHUH DUH IHZHU HPSOR\HHV WR GR WKH VDPH DPRXQW RI ZRUN DQG PDQ\ DUH WDNLQJ RQ DGGLWLRQDO GXWLHV VXFK DV WHDFKHUV KHOSLQJ LQ WKH GRUPV ³2I FRXUVH IRU RXU ORYH RI WKH FKLOGUHQ ZH GR LW ´ DGGHG &URRP RQ 0DUFK QRWLQJ WKDW PRUDOH KDV GHFOLQHG DQG D crisis situation is looming.

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Visit www.SEANC.PurchasingPower.com or call 800-903-0703 Go online today to see the latest products Purchasing Power has to offer!

Purchasing Power is a unique member benefit program, which helps you purchase the new, brand-name computers, electronics and home appliances you want and need for you and your family through the ease of payroll deduction.

Use payroll deduction for all your important purchases.

Group Code: SNC2191

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Visit www.seanc.org and click â&#x20AC;&#x153;saveâ&#x20AC;? or contact Â&#x2039;ĆĄÂ&#x192;Â?Â&#x203A; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;ĚťÂ&#x2022;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;ǤÂ&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2030; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Í Í&#x2DC;Í&#x2DC;ÇŚÍ&#x161;Í&#x161;Í&#x161;ÇŚÍ&#x161;Í&#x;Í?Í Ç¤ Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201E;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x2018; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2021;Â&#x161;Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2030;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;ĆĽÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2039;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â? Â&#x2021;Â&#x201E; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2030;Â&#x160;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201C;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2039;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;ÇĄ Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â? Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Ǥ

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$32.99

RIF Letters Impact Safety

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$41.93

employees of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three schools for deaf and blind students. of your paycheck or your job. Unfortunately, this choice was a reality for

Í&#x2020;Í&#x161;Í?

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$34.94

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$33.33

Imagine you have a week to make a choice: lose up to 20 percent

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Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;ÇĄ

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BY ERICA BALDWIN

Deaf Schools Face Harsh Cuts Affecting Student Safety PUBLIC POLICY

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SEANC & SECU Price

Â&#x2021;Â&#x2030;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2020;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?

Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021; Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;ÇŻ Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x2030;Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2018;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â?Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â? Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2022;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2030;Â&#x160; Â&#x2021;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2013;Ǥ Í&#x203A;Í&#x2DC; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2026;Â&#x160; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; ĆĽÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Ǥ

Í&#x161;Í&#x2DC;Í&#x2122;Í&#x2DC; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â? Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; MEMBER ACTION

MEMBER ANNUAL ACTION MEETINGS* DISTRICT

PUBLIC POLICY

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 ofďŹ cers, Policy Platform Objectives, SEANC Bylaws and more. To ďŹ nd out your district number, go to www.seanc.org under â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quick Links.â&#x20AC;? Contact your district ofďŹ cers to conďŹ rm 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.

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1

Date

Dist.

Time 6:00 p.m.

Location -DFNVRQ &RXQW\ &RPPXQLW\ 6HUYLFHV %XLOGLQJ 538 Scotts Creek Rd.

City Sylva

Dinner Yes

District Chairperson Teddy Greene - tgreene@ncdot.gov

-LPP\ 'DYLV VHDQFBG #\DKRR FRP

Bob Gibbard - gibbardro@appstate.edu

3

:D\QH )LVK ZD\QHBÂżV#PVQ FRP

2

5:15 p.m.

May 25

7

5:30 p.m.

-XO\

6

May 18

5

6:00 p.m.

Morganton

- ,YHUVRQ 5LGGOH 'HYHORSPHQW &HQWHU *\P 300 Enola Rd.

Morganton

Broughton Hospital Chapel Assembly Room 1000 S. Sterling St.

Morganton

:HVWHUQ 3LHGPRQW &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJH /HDUQLQJ 5HVRXUFH &HQWHU 5P %XUNHPRQW $YH

Yes

Melissa Freeman - mfreeman@wpcc.edu Wayne Freeman - Wayne.Freeman@ncmail.net

Yes

8

Barbara Leatherman - leatherlee@charter.net

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May 18

11

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

%DUEDUD /HDWKHUPDQÂśV +RXVH : 1& +Z\ $QVRQ &RXQW\ '27 0DLQWHQDQFH %XLOGLQJ 1015 Old Prison Camp Rd. +DUERU ,QQ 6HDIRRG 5HVWDXUDQW 8QLYHUVLW\ (DVW 'U

Newton

Polkton Charlotte

Yes

Yes Yes

6LGQH\ 6DQG\ VDQGPDQ VHDQF#DRO FRP -HDQ 0DUWLQ PDULO\Q PDUWLQ #\DKRR FRP Sue Eldridge - eldridgem@bellsouth.net

5:30 p.m.

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6:30 p.m.

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18

6:00 p.m.

May 17

17

6:00 p.m.

-XQH

16

7:00 p.m.

May 20

23

7:00 p.m.

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22

5:30 p.m.

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21

D P

6:00 p.m.

:LQVWRQ 6DOHP 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ 'LJJV *DOOHU\ 6 0DUWLQ /XWKHU .LQJ -U 'U

Winston-Salem

Rockingham

6KRQH\ÂśV ( %URDG $YH

Gibsonville

.LPEHUÂśV 5HVWDXUDQW : 0DLQ 6W 2:$6$ %XLOGLQJ -RQHV )HUU\ 5G

Carrboro

Yes Yes Yes Yes

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Linda Moore - lmoore@ncdot.gov 'DQ (ÂżUG GHÂżUGMU#WULDG UU FRP Pamela Locklear - lpj02@doc.state.nc.us Marie Tate - marie.tate@orange.k12.nc.us Cliff Brown - seanc2@nc.rr.com

Fayetteville

3HDGHQÂśV 6HDIRRG 0F$UWKXU 5G

Creedmoor

South Granville Administration Building 6 &DPSXV 'U 6W 3DXOV &RPPXQLW\ %XLOGLQJ 1 UG 6W Columbus County Cooperative Extension *RYHUQPHQW &RPSOH[ 5G

St. Pauls

-RHO 9DOHQWLQH MRHO YDOHQWLQH#QFGHQU JRY Yes Yes

Whiteville

LEFT: SEANC member Rudy Croom, an employee at the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf, signs his concerns about studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 beneďŹ t employees and citizens who use state services, such as the deaf school.

Scott McMahan - rutherfordtonheel@yahoo.com Larry Brent Reeves - brentreeve@charter.net .HQ %HDYHU END #GRF VWDWH QF XV

10

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12 13

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20

May 20

Michele Shaw - micheleshaw22@gmail.com -HUHP\ 5HJLVWHU MJU #\PDLO FRP

Small Savings, Big SacriďŹ ces The expected savings from these cuts is $1 PLOOLRQ D VPDOO VOLFH RI '++6Âś ELOOLRQ EXGJHW Employees at the deaf schools expressed outrage DERXW WKH JURZLQJ DGPLQLVWUDWLYH VWDII ZKLOH WKHLU 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. Âł:H DUH XQGHU WKH KDQGV RI SHRSOH ZKR NQRZ QRWKLQJ RI GHDI HGXFDWLRQ ´ VDLG &URRP Âł:RXOG ZH JR WR D ODZ\HU IRU PHGLFDO SUREOHPV" 1R ZH JR where we get the appropriate services. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost as if OES has turned a deaf ear to deaf education.â&#x20AC;?

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6:00 p.m.

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26

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training in the residence halls as well. Members of WKH GHDI FRPPXQLW\ KDYH WKHLU RZQ FXOWXUH RQH WKH\ DUH SURXG WR EH D SDUW RI EXW WKH\ QHHG WUDLQLQJ WR adapt to a hearing world.

Executive Order 45 Opens Door for SEANC Because SEANC represents more than 20 percent RI '++6 HPSOR\HHV WKH JRYHUQRUœV ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU DOORZV 6($1& WR PHHW ZLWK GHFLVLRQ PDNHUV LQ '++6 DQG KDYH DFFHVV WR HPSOR\HHV ZLWKLQ WKH DJHQF\ 7KH PHHWLQJV H[SHFWHG TXDUWHUO\ DUH IRU WKH SXUSRVH RI ³LPSURYLQJ HPSOR\HH PDQDJHPHQW UHODWLRQV DQG LPSURYLQJ VHUYLFHV WR WKH SXEOLF ´ DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH 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. $V RI SUHVV WLPH 6($1& KDG PHHWLQJV VFKHGXOHG with the Morganton deaf school and the blind school in Raleigh to hear employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concerns. Âł7KLV LV FOHDUO\ D EDFN GRRU DSSURDFK WR VKXWWLQJ down or merging the three schools â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a proposal that failed in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House budget with good UHDVRQ ´ VDLG 6($1& /HJLVODWLYH $IIDLUV 'LUHFWRU Ardis Watkins. Âł7KH VWDWH QHHGV WR ORRN EH\RQG GROODUV DQG FHQWV ´ FRQWLQXHG :DWNLQV Âł7KH\ QHHG WR OLVWHQ WR the parents and employees who care for and educate children with special needs and circumstances.â&#x20AC;? ebaldwin@seanc.org

Terry Baker - ghostbuster151@yahoo.com

Great Coverage Starts with Blue

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25 6:00 p.m.

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27

SM

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Butner 'XUKDP

Gracie LaSane - gracie_lesane@msn.com %UXFH 'L[RQ EUXFH GL[RQ#QFPDLO QHW

36

6:00 p.m.

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5:30 p.m.

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38

5:30 p.m.

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37

Raleigh

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Raleigh

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April Graham - dat01@doc.state.nc.us

Art Anthony - araleighwood@netscape.com

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5:30 p.m.

6($1& &HQWUDO 2IÂżFH 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH

Raleigh

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6:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

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63

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62

7:00 p.m.

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61

6:00 p.m.

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60

6:00 p.m.

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6:00 p.m.

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58

6:00 p.m.

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57

6:00 p.m.

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56

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5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

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Raleigh

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May 26

6:30 p.m.

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6:00 p.m.

Garner Garner

6PLWKÂżHOG

Goldsboro

Yes Yes

If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have access to health coverage through an employer, or if you just need health coverage for family members, Blue AdvantageÂŽ is the program that gives you ďŹ&#x201A;exibility, convenience and options to ďŹ t your budget and your lifestyle.

Bruce Garner - bhgarner@yahoo.com

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Raleigh Roanoke Rapids Wilson

Goldsboro

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Holt Lake Bar-B-Que & Seafood 86 +Z\ 6RXWK 0DGLVRQÂśV 3ULPH 5LE 1 1HZ +RSH 5G 7KH 0DWWKHZ &HQWHU 3HQGHUOHD +Z\

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Burgaw

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Robert Barnhill - rbarnhill@ec.rr.com

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Williamston Greenville Greenville

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Wilson

Yes Yes Yes Yes

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Plan A: s $15 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions

Plan B: s $25 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions after $200 deductible

Plan C:

TODD PARHAM LORI PARHAM

VAN TAYLOR NANCY MORRIS MATT HEMBY RON TUCKER

Authorized Agents

Authorized Agents

Triad Area

Charlotte Area

Wilmington Area

336-996-0909 or 866-907-0909

704-527-4220 or 800-286-4220

Gene Mills - tylerstormspring@gmail.com

www.bluechipins.com 800-914-4220 Authorized Agents

RONALD SHEFFIELD 910-686-8761 DIANE SHEFFIELD 910-686-8762

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6KHLOD 3HUU\ VPSHUU\G #\DKRR FRP Yes Yes

s $30 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions after $500 deductible

Blue Chip Insurance Agency

'DULXV 0F/DXULQ GOPF #QF UU FRP Eddie Brogden - bje03@doc.state.nc.us -RKQ 0LOOHU -RKQ 0LOOHU#QFPDLO QHW Carolyn Sutton - carolynm@earthlink.net Ricky Rivenbark - rickybark22@hotmail.com

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Bill Boyle - wboyle@suddenlink.net

67

6:30 p.m.

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70

Affordable, Quality Health Insurance

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65

6:30 p.m.

May 20

66

Rita Woods - lra01@doc.state.nc.us

68

6:00 p.m.

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71

Contact your authorized Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina agent for costs and further details of coverage, limitations, exclusions and terms under which the policy may be continued in force. An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ÂŽ Mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

SM Mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U2082m, 5/06

Arvis Sutton - asutton1253@yahoo.com Stuart Glover - comanchecreekllc@yahoo.com

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

11

3

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

14

PHOTOS BY MATT HANDS, WILSON TIMES

6

Call 800-222-2758 to sign up today or go to www.seanc.org.

Because they just saved $841 by using SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spectera Vision Insurance. These rates are available to SEANC members only.

Why are Suzanne and Henry looking through rose-colored glasses?

3UHVLGHQW RI WKH 1 & 6WDWH 5HWLUHHV &OXE -DPHV 0RUJDQ FOXE PHPEHU 5HY 6DUD 0RUJDQ FHQWHU DQG 'LVWULFW PHPEHU DQG SDVW SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 1 & 6WDWH 5HWLUHHV &OXE 6KLUOH\ 3HUU\ ULJKW GLVSOD\ VWRFNLQJV WKH\ GLVWULEXWHG WR UHVLGHQWV of the Central Heights community in Goldsboro.

N.C. State Retirees Hold a Christmas Party PHOTO BY ORIE HENRY JR.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something that could reduce the $563 million annual turnover cost in state government.â&#x20AC;? 6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH RQ ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU LQ WKH )HE 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH Âł3HUGXH SEANC speaks for state workers.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;By and large, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.â&#x20AC;?

6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH LQ WKH 0DUFK 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH Âł6DODU\ KLVWRULHV NHSW IURP SXEOLF ´ â&#x20AC;&#x153;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, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just appalling. Ultimately, the effect on the schools will be that slowly, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll shut down. Staff is going to leave. Kids are going to leave.â&#x20AC;?

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Quotes to Note

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody here plays an important role. And you start cutting people, you might start losing quality down the line.â&#x20AC;?

6($1& 'LVWULFW PHPEHU 0DXUHHQ +RZDUG D 'HSDUWPHQW RI 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ HPSOR\HH RQ 1HZV &DUROLQDœV $SULO UHSRUW ³&RQWLQXHG EXGJHW VKRUWIDOOV FRQFHUQ VWDWH HPSOR\HHV ´

)RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH 'RQ -RQHV 0HPRULDO *ROI 7RXUQDPHQW SOHDVH FRQWDFW 5HWLUHHV 'LUHFWRU 0LWFK /HRQDUG DW RU POHRQDUG#VHDQF RUJ sbmclamb@seanc.org 6($1& LV H[FLWHG WR DQQRXQFH -DPHV 9DXJKDQ RI 'LVWULFW DV WKH QHZ HDVWHUQ region member action coordinator. A native of 0DUWLQ &RXQW\ 9DXJKDQ KDV EHHQ D PHPEHU RI 6($1& VLQFH DQG KDV VHUYHG DV KLV GLVWULFWÂśV FKDLUPDQ IRU VHYHQ \HDUV YLFH chairman for three years and eastern region representative to the Executive Committee for RQH DQG D KDOI \HDUV DPRQJ RWKHU SRVLWLRQV 8SRQ KLV KLULQJ 9DXJKDQ VWDWHG Âł6($1& 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 canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to get started.â&#x20AC;?

3ULRU WR DFFHSWLQJ KLV SRVLWLRQ ZLWK 6($1& 9DXJKDQ SURXGO\ VHUYHG WKH state of North Carolina as an assistant superintendent for programs at Tyrrell Prison Work Farm.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If North Carolina is lower [in cost] than other states, how much lower could we be if we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t supplementing Blue Crossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CEO bonuses, sponsorships and buffets?â&#x20AC;? 6($1& $VVLVWDQW 'LUHFWRU of Communications Erica Baldwin in the Feb. 26 News & Observer DUWLFOH Âł+HDOWK SODQ RI 1 & EHDW LWV QHLJKERUVÂś ´ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to take it anymore. While theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the RitzCarlton eating their big shrimp and high-dollar meals, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re outside eating Ritz crackers, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to send a message that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tired of their CEOs making over $4 million a year when folks are literally dying because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have access to health insurance in this country.â&#x20AC;? SEANC Executive 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH LQ WKH 0DUFK 1HZV &DUROLQD UHSRUW Âł6WDWH HPSOR\HHV JR WR ' & WR SURWHVW LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQLHV ´

Want to see more SEANC in the News? Check out www.seanc.org under â&#x20AC;&#x153;Newsâ&#x20AC;?

-XQH +\ODQG *ROI &OXE 6RXWKHUQ 3LQHV (QWU\ )HH (QWU\ 'HDGOLQH -XQH

BY SARA BETH MCLAMB

'RQ -RQHV 0HPRULDO *ROI 7RXUQDPHQW

Vaughan Named Eastern Member Action Coordinator

PUBLIC POLICY

MEMBER ACTION

MEMBER ACTION

PUBLIC POLICY

PHOTO BY ORIE HENRY JR.

District 19 Helps Troops Serving Overseas

BY

PHOTO BY BETH MORRIS

'LVWULFW PHPEHUV $QJHOD /\JKW OHIW DQG ,QHWKD &RXVLQ MRLQHG RWKHU YROXQWHHUV LQ &KDSHO +LOO RQ -DQ 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

Books for Troops

'XULQJ WKHLU )HEUXDU\ PHHWLQJ 'LVWULFW PHPEHUV FROOHFWHG SRXQGV RI IRRG WR GRQDWH WR WKH Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Staff. The Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Staff is located in Spruce Pine and provides food assistance to those in QHHG 3LFWXUHG DERYH DUH 'LVWULFW PHPEHUV 5KRQGD 5RELQVRQ OHIW DQG -HQQLIHU 9DQFH ZLWK VRPH RI WKH donated items.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER VANCE

'LVWULFW KHOG D ERRN GULYH IRU WURRSV GHSOR\HG overseas. Mayland Community College (MCC) 9HWHUDQV &HUWLI\LQJ 2IILFLDO 5KRQGD 5RELQVRQ D 'LVWULFW PHPEHU DQG 5\DQ :KLWWLQJWRQ D 1DWLRQDO Guardsman enrolled in MCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electronics engineering SURJUDP DUH SLFWXUHG ZLWK VRPH RI WKH ERRNV WKDW ZLOO be sent to troops overseas.

THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS MAY 12.

Retiring?

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Have To Make Your Payout Choice from the Retirement Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6 Options

Have You Thought All Those Option Choices Through Yet? Be Careful That You Make An Informed Decision About the Joint & Survivor Choice Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Option most everybody choosesâ&#x20AC;Śnever comparison shopsâ&#x20AC;Ś. and overpays forâ&#x20AC;Ś The Pension Maximization Plan is a New Alternative Option which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offered by the Retirement System; This Plan Puts You, (instead of them), in Control of your Retirement Income, and Empowers You to: &KRRVH WKH 0D[LPXP 3D\RXW 2SWLRQ ZKLFK 3D\V <RX 0RUH WKDQ WKH 6WDWHÂśV -RLQW 6XUYLYRU 3ODQ 7KLV VSHFLDOO\ GHVLJQHG 3ODQ ZLOO SURYLGH OLIHWLPH EHQHILWV IRU \RXU EHQHILFLDU\ DIWHU \RX GLH <RX ZLOO KDYH KLJKHU PRQWKO\ LQFRPH LQ PRVW FDVHV ZKHQ FRPSDUHG WR WKH -RLQW 6XUYLYRU 3ODQ

Policy Platform is key to achieving SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission In order to protect and enhance the rights and EHQHÂżWV RI FXUUHQW UHWLUHG DQG IXWXUH VWDWH HPSOR\HHV WKH 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP DOVR UHIHUUHG WR DV 6($1&ÂśV Âł3ODQ RI $FWLRQ ´ RXWOLQHV WKH SROLFLHV DQG REMHFWLYHV that drive SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legislative and administrative lobbying activities. It represents our membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best thinking about how to recruit and retain the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable resource â&#x20AC;&#x201C; state employees.

Hearing our collective voice through the Policy Platform

APRIL

MAY

District Annual Meetings Members present policy ideas for a vote. Approved ideas are forwarded to the statewide Policy Platform meeting.

Send us your e-mail address!

Go to www.seanc.org and click â&#x20AC;&#x153;E-mail alertsâ&#x20AC;? on the bottom of the page or e-mail Carri Derrick at cderrick@seanc.org.

The Pension Maximization Plan includes life insurance; benefits paid to beneficiaries would be considered death benefits, paid out monthly for life, and would be mostly income tax free.

You must qualify medically for the insurance.

Policy Platform Resources

'LVWULFW DQQXDO PHHWLQJV EHJLQ LQ 0D\ VR now is the time to turn our recommendations for change into formal Policy Platform objectives.

6($1& SURYLGHV D IRUPDW IRU WKLV SXUSRVH ZKLFK \RX ZLOO ÂżQG DW KWWS ZZZ VHDQF RUJ GRFV PolicyPlatformObjectiveForm.pdf.

7R EH VXFFHVVIXO UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV VKRXOG 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 SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual convention. In developing D UDWLRQDOH DVN \RXUVHOI D IHZ TXHVWLRQV KRZ ZLOO WKLV UHFRPPHQGDWLRQ LI DGRSWHG LPSURYH WKH VWDWHÂśV HIIRUWV WR UHFUXLW RU UHWDLQ D TXDOLÂżHG workforce or improve a workplace practice? Will it give rise to cost savings? Will it improve the delivery of a public service?

(DFK GLVWULFW KDV D 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP FKDLUSHUVRQ 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 Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legislative Plan of Action

2010

3URGXFHUV )LQDQFLDO 1HWZRUN ,QF 800-562-8019 ZZZ PD[SHQVLRQSODQ FRP

District meetings begin the Policy Platform process

Need help?

State employees often identify opportunities for improving workplace practices. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 DWWHQWLRQ RI WKRVH ZLWK WKH DXWKRULW\ WR HQDFW FKDQJH QDPHO\ WKH JRYHUQRU DQG WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\

You Members formulate policy ideas to present at district annual meetings.

Contact Us for a Free Analysis & Comparison to the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Options Every Dollar Counts â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Today More than Ever

Statewide Policy Platform Meeting All 53 districtsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Policy Platform chairmen meet to vote on policy objectives approved at district annual meetings. Approved policy objectives are forwarded to convention delegates for a vote.

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

Convention The week after Labor Day, more than 800 SEANC delegates debate and vote on policy objectives approved by the statewide Policy Platform Committee. Those objectives approved by a majority vote become the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan of action in the General Assembly for the upcoming year. In particular, the Top Ten Policy Platform Objectives guide the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lobbying activities.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

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 BeneďŹ ts 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 districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Policy Platform submission rules at www.seanc.org/about/board.aspx.

SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2009-2010 Top 10 Policy Platform Objectives (AS DETERMINED BY THE 2009 CONVENTION) 1. Seek continuation of a fully paid health care beneďŹ t for active qualiďŹ ed employees and retired employees.

2. Seek restoration of the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to the Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and State Employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 OfďŹ ce 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 beneďŹ t if an employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or retireesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 ďŹ nal 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.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

5

Advertising Policy State Employees Association of North Carolina 3 2 'UDZHU Â&#x2021; 5DOHLJK 1& 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH Â&#x2021; 5DOHLJK 1& 7HOHSKRQH www.seanc.org TONI DAVIS (GLWRU ,Q &KLHI ERICA BALDWIN, Managing Editor MARY ADELAIDE BELL $VVRFLDWH (GLWRU $GYHUWLVLQJ 0DQDJHU AMBER ERNST, Associate Editor SARA BETH MCLAMB, Communications Intern

ďŹ nd SEANC on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/SEANC.SEIU.Local2008 PL-14889 New 1-10 Coverage, discounts, repair options and billing options are subject to state requirements and availability, individual qualiďŹ cations and/or the insuring companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underwriting guidelines. Homeowners coverage in FL is very limited and several restrictions may apply. Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and MetLife Auto & Home operate independently and are not responsible for each othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ďŹ nancial obligations. All costs associated with marketing this program are paid for by Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and MetLife Auto & Home.

MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its afďŹ liates: Economy Fire & Casualty Company, Economy Preferred Insurance Company, Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Metropolitan Group Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and Metropolitan Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas, all with administrative home ofďŹ ces in Warwick, RI. Š 2010 MetLife Auto & Home. L0110085230[exp1212][All States] Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its afďŹ liates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA. In TX: Coverage provided by Liberty Mutual County Insurance Company. CA Department of Insurance license number: 0F52987. Minnesota Department of Insurance number 40015723. Liberty Mutual is an Equal Housing Insurer. Š 2010 Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Insurance is underwritten by The Travelers Indemnity Company or one of its property casualty afďŹ liates, One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183. In FL: Auto insurance policies are underwritten by First Floridian Auto and Home Insurance Company, The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company, or by The Travelers Commercial Insurance Company. In MA: Auto policies are underwritten by The Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts, an independent, single-state subsidiary of The Travelers Indemnity Company. In NJ: Auto insurance policies are underwritten by Travelers Auto Insurance Co. of New Jersey, a single state, independent subsidiary of The Travelers Indemnity Company. In TX: Auto insurance is offered by Travelers MGA, Inc. and underwritten by Consumers County Mutual Insurance Company. Š 2010 The Travelers Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

(Client # 101391)

1-800-524-9400

1-888-695-4640

(1-800-438-6388)

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12

'LVWULFWV VRRQ ZLOO EHJLQ XSGDWLQJ 6($1&ÂśV 3ROLF\ Platform. This annual process begins at district-level DQQXDO PHHWLQJV KHOG HDFK VXPPHU ZKHUH PHPEHUV consider recommendations for improvements to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workplace and human resources policies and practices. An annual meeting schedule is updated GDLO\ RQ 6($1&ÂśV RQOLQH FDOHQGDU DW KWWS ZZZ VHDQF RUJ FDOHQGDU

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 UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ WKDW WKH PHVVDJH SURGXFW RU VHUYLFH LV DV UHSUHVHQWHG by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be OLDEOH IRU DQ\ XVH RI RU UHOLDQFH RQ DQ\ VXFK LQIRUPDWLRQ SURGXFW RU service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry DGYHUWLVHPHQWV RI DQ\ QDWXUH SROLWLFDO RU RWKHUZLVH WKDW PD\ EH YLHZHG as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.

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Want to get your weekly SEANC Scoop with updates to your inbox containing the latest news about legislation affecting your pay, health care and retirement?

KAY HOVIOUS, CHAIRWOMAN OF THE POLICY PLATFORM/PERSONNEL BENEFITS COMMITTEE

4

CONTRIBUTED BY CLAIRE MILLER

Policy Platform Ideas Needed to Achieve Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Goals

Cherry Hospital Christmas Parade 'LVWULFW &KDLUPDQ -RKQ 0LOOHU EDFNJURXQG DQG 9LFH &KDLUPDQ 3DXO %XGD\ IRUHJURXQG UHSUHVHQWHG SEANC in the Cherry Hospital Christmas Parade. ³7KHVH DUH WZR JUHDW SHRSOH WR EH DURXQG DQG they are very dedicated and proud supporters of 6($1& ´ 'LVWULFW PHPEHU 2ULH +HQU\ -U VDLG RI Miller and Buday.

Legislative Priorities at the General Assembly Begin with You

13

For more information, contact Mitch Leonard at mleonard@seanc.org or register on the SEANC Web site, www.seanc.org.

Learn everything you need to know about membership recruitment, politics or retiree action, and become a more active and involved SEANC leader!

City Fayetteville Winston-Salem Asheville

Date May 6-7 May 10-11 May 17-18

Request your free quotes today!

THE

sbmclamb@seanc.org %\ QRZ \RXÂśYH SUREDEO\ UHFHLYHG \RXU FHQVXV IRUP EXW KDYH \RX ÂżOOHG LW RXW DQG PDLOHG LW EDFN LQ" ,I QRW JR GR LW QRZ FHQVXV UHVXOWV LPSDFW you as a state employee more than you may know!

The census gathers population data that is XVHG WR GHWHUPLQH WKH SRSXODWLRQV RI WRZQV counties and states. That information is later used to DOORFDWH FRQJUHVVLRQDO VHDWV HOHFWRUDO YRWHV DQG WKH GLVWULEXWLRQ RI PRUH WKDQ ELOOLRQ LQ IHGHUDO IXQGV each year. The largest single recipient of that money is state governments.

That means North Carolina receives money thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used to fund the vital public services you provide Âą VXFK DV SXEOLF VDIHW\ WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG KHDOWK services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; based on census results. ,Q VWDWHV ORVW ELOOLRQ GXH WR XQGHUFRXQWV LQ WKH FHQVXV :LWK WKH UHFHQW EXGJHW GHÂżFLWV WKDWÂśV money North Carolina canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford to lose!

6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH ZDV 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 &DUROLQD WR ÂżOO RXW WKH FHQVXV TXHVWLRQQDLUH Âł7KLV \HDUÂśV FHQVXV IRUP LV TXHVWLRQV ORQJ ,WÂśV WKH VKRUWHVW LQ KLVWRU\ ´ VDLG &RSH Âł5HVSRQGLQJ WR the census is one more way SEANC members can VHUYH WKH VWDWH RI 1RUWK &DUROLQD DQG LW RQO\ WDNHV minutes.â&#x20AC;? $V RI SUHVV WLPH SHUFHQW RI 1RUWK &DUROLQD residents had returned their census forms. If you have QRW UHFHLYHG \RXU FHQVXV TXHVWLRQQDLUH \HW SOHDVH contact the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 866-872-6868.

[

Here are just a few of the many advantages Group savings Money-saving discounts Convenient payment options 24/7 claim reporting Free quotes and coverage reviews

]

Did you miss NOC Training in April?

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you still have three chances to attend!

Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren

Edgecombe, Martin, Pitt

Doug Berger * (D)

Frankie Bordeaux (D)

Hoke, Robeson

R. Benjamin Clark III (D)

Cumberland

Lula Crenshaw (D)

Guilford

Gladys Robinson (D) * Incumbents Italicized Names are SEANC Members

Great time to put your beneďŹ ts to work for you!

GRE AT SAVINGS. GRE AT SERVICE. GRE AT BENEFITS North Carolina Senate Guilford

Durham, Person

John Faircloth (R)

Alma Adams * (D)

Fred Foster Jr. (D)

Guilford Wake

Wake

Brunswick, Columbus

Bernard Allen II (D)

Ken Waddell (D)

Jeanne Bonds (D)

Randolph

Pat Hurley * (R)

Wilkes

Shirley Randleman * (R)

Wake

Chris Heagarty * (D)

Wake

Tom Murry (R)

Mecklenburg

Rodney Moore (D) Cumberland

Elmer Floyd * (D)

Buncombe

Mark Crawford (R) Robeson

Charles Graham (D)

North Carolina House

BY SARA BETH MCLAMB

CENSUS: Be acCOUNTed For! PUBLIC POLICY

Auto Insurance Program for SEANC Members

SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Get to Know Your Endorsed Candidates MEMBER ACTION

Cherry Hospital Christmas Parade 'LVWULFW &KDLUPDQ -RKQ 0LOOHU EDFNJURXQG DQG 9LFH &KDLUPDQ 3DXO %XGD\ IRUHJURXQG UHSUHVHQWHG SEANC in the Cherry Hospital Christmas Parade. ³7KHVH DUH WZR JUHDW SHRSOH WR EH DURXQG DQG they are very dedicated and proud supporters of 6($1& ´ 'LVWULFW PHPEHU 2ULH +HQU\ -U VDLG RI Miller and Buday.

'LVWULFW PHPEHUV $QJHOD /\JKW OHIW DQG ,QHWKD &RXVLQ MRLQHG RWKHU YROXQWHHUV LQ &KDSHO +LOO RQ -DQ 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.

BY

Hearing our collective voice through the Policy Platform

Want to get your weekly SEANC Scoop with updates to your inbox containing the latest news about legislation affecting your pay, health care and retirement?

District meetings begin the Policy Platform process 'LVWULFW DQQXDO PHHWLQJV EHJLQ LQ 0D\ VR now is the time to turn our recommendations for change into formal Policy Platform objectives.

6($1& SURYLGHV D IRUPDW IRU WKLV SXUSRVH ZKLFK \RX ZLOO ÂżQG DW KWWS ZZZ VHDQF RUJ GRFV PolicyPlatformObjectiveForm.pdf.

7R EH VXFFHVVIXO UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV VKRXOG 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 SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual convention. In developing D UDWLRQDOH DVN \RXUVHOI D IHZ TXHVWLRQV KRZ ZLOO WKLV UHFRPPHQGDWLRQ LI DGRSWHG LPSURYH WKH VWDWHÂśV HIIRUWV WR UHFUXLW RU UHWDLQ D TXDOLÂżHG workforce or improve a workplace practice? Will it give rise to cost savings? Will it improve the delivery of a public service?

Need help?

(DFK GLVWULFW KDV D 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP FKDLUSHUVRQ 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 Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Legislative Plan of Action You Members formulate policy ideas to present at district annual meetings.

2010

Contact Us for a Free Analysis & Comparison to the Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Options Every Dollar Counts â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Today More than Ever 3URGXFHUV )LQDQFLDO 1HWZRUN ,QF 800-562-8019 ZZZ PD[SHQVLRQSODQ FRP

APRIL

MAY

Statewide Policy Platform Meeting All 53 districtsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Policy Platform chairmen meet to vote on policy objectives approved at district annual meetings. Approved policy objectives are forwarded to convention delegates for a vote.

JUNE

District Annual Meetings Members present policy ideas for a vote. Approved ideas are forwarded to the statewide Policy Platform meeting.

Send us your e-mail address!

Go to www.seanc.org and click â&#x20AC;&#x153;E-mail alertsâ&#x20AC;? on the bottom of the page or e-mail Carri Derrick at cderrick@seanc.org.

The Pension Maximization Plan includes life insurance; benefits paid to beneficiaries would be considered death benefits, paid out monthly for life, and would be mostly income tax free.

You must qualify medically for the insurance.

PUBLIC POLICY

KAY HOVIOUS, CHAIRWOMAN OF THE POLICY PLATFORM/PERSONNEL BENEFITS COMMITTEE

In order to protect and enhance the rights and EHQHÂżWV RI FXUUHQW UHWLUHG DQG IXWXUH VWDWH HPSOR\HHV WKH 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP DOVR UHIHUUHG WR DV 6($1&ÂśV Âł3ODQ RI $FWLRQ ´ RXWOLQHV WKH SROLFLHV DQG REMHFWLYHV that drive SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legislative and administrative lobbying activities. It represents our membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best thinking about how to recruit and retain the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable resource â&#x20AC;&#x201C; state employees.

'XULQJ WKHLU )HEUXDU\ PHHWLQJ 'LVWULFW PHPEHUV FROOHFWHG SRXQGV RI IRRG WR GRQDWH WR WKH Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Staff. The Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Staff is located in Spruce Pine and provides food assistance to those in QHHG 3LFWXUHG DERYH DUH 'LVWULFW PHPEHUV 5KRQGD 5RELQVRQ OHIW DQG -HQQLIHU 9DQFH ZLWK VRPH RI WKH donated items.

State employees often identify opportunities for improving workplace practices. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 DWWHQWLRQ RI WKRVH ZLWK WKH DXWKRULW\ WR HQDFW FKDQJH QDPHO\ WKH JRYHUQRU DQG WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\

THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS MAY 12.

Retiring?

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Have To Make Your Payout Choice from the Retirement Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 6 Options

Have You Thought All Those Option Choices Through Yet? Be Careful That You Make An Informed Decision About the Joint & Survivor Choice Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Option most everybody choosesâ&#x20AC;Śnever comparison shopsâ&#x20AC;Ś. and overpays forâ&#x20AC;Ś

&KRRVH WKH 0D[LPXP 3D\RXW 2SWLRQ ZKLFK 3D\V <RX 0RUH WKDQ WKH 6WDWHÂśV -RLQW 6XUYLYRU 3ODQ 7KLV VSHFLDOO\ GHVLJQHG 3ODQ ZLOO SURYLGH OLIHWLPH EHQHILWV IRU \RXU EHQHILFLDU\ DIWHU \RX GLH <RX ZLOO KDYH KLJKHU PRQWKO\ LQFRPH LQ PRVW FDVHV ZKHQ FRPSDUHG WR WKH -RLQW 6XUYLYRU 3ODQ

'LVWULFWV VRRQ ZLOO EHJLQ XSGDWLQJ 6($1&ÂśV 3ROLF\ Platform. This annual process begins at district-level DQQXDO PHHWLQJV KHOG HDFK VXPPHU ZKHUH PHPEHUV consider recommendations for improvements to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workplace and human resources policies and practices. An annual meeting schedule is updated GDLO\ RQ 6($1&ÂśV RQOLQH FDOHQGDU DW KWWS ZZZ VHDQF RUJ FDOHQGDU

Policy Platform is key to achieving SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission

District 3 Donates Food

Books for Troops 'LVWULFW KHOG D ERRN GULYH IRU WURRSV GHSOR\HG overseas. Mayland Community College (MCC) 9HWHUDQV &HUWLI\LQJ 2IILFLDO 5KRQGD 5RELQVRQ D 'LVWULFW PHPEHU DQG 5\DQ :KLWWLQJWRQ D 1DWLRQDO Guardsman enrolled in MCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electronics engineering SURJUDP DUH SLFWXUHG ZLWK VRPH RI WKH ERRNV WKDW ZLOO be sent to troops overseas.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER VANCE

The Pension Maximization Plan is a New Alternative Option which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offered by the Retirement System; This Plan Puts You, (instead of them), in Control of your Retirement Income, and Empowers You to: Â&#x2021;

Â&#x2021;

Â&#x2021;

Legislative Priorities at the General Assembly Begin with You Policy Platform Ideas Needed to Achieve Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Goals CONTRIBUTED BY CLAIRE MILLER

PHOTO BY BETH MORRIS

MEMBER ACTION

District 19 Helps Troops Serving Overseas PHOTO BY ORIE HENRY JR.

JULY

AUG

SEPT

Convention The week after Labor Day, more than 800 SEANC delegates debate and vote on policy objectives approved by the statewide Policy Platform Committee. Those objectives approved by a majority vote become the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan of action in the General Assembly for the upcoming year. In particular, the Top Ten Policy Platform Objectives guide the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lobbying activities.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

13

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 BeneďŹ ts 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 districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Policy Platform submission rules at www.seanc.org/about/board.aspx.

SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2009-2010 Top 10 Policy Platform Objectives (AS DETERMINED BY THE 2009 CONVENTION) 1. Seek continuation of a fully paid health care beneďŹ t for active qualiďŹ ed employees and retired employees.

2. Seek restoration of the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution to the Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and State Employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 OfďŹ ce 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 beneďŹ t if an employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or retireesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 ďŹ nal 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.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

ďŹ nd SEANC on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/SEANC.SEIU.Local2008

For more information, contact Mitch Leonard at mleonard@seanc.org or register on the SEANC Web site, www.seanc.org.

PL-14889 New 1-10 Coverage, discounts, repair options and billing options are subject to state requirements and availability, individual qualiďŹ cations and/or the insuring companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s underwriting guidelines. Homeowners coverage in FL is very limited and several restrictions may apply. Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and MetLife Auto & Home operate independently and are not responsible for each othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ďŹ nancial obligations. All costs associated with marketing this program are paid for by Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and MetLife Auto & Home.

Learn everything you need to know about membership recruitment, politics or retiree action, and become a more active and involved SEANC leader!

MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its afďŹ liates: Economy Fire & Casualty Company, Economy Preferred Insurance Company, Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Metropolitan Group Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and Metropolitan Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas, all with administrative home ofďŹ ces in Warwick, RI. Š 2010 MetLife Auto & Home. L0110085230[exp1212][All States] Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its afďŹ liates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA. In TX: Coverage provided by Liberty Mutual County Insurance Company. CA Department of Insurance license number: 0F52987. Minnesota Department of Insurance number 40015723. Liberty Mutual is an Equal Housing Insurer. Š 2010 Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

Insurance is underwritten by The Travelers Indemnity Company or one of its property casualty afďŹ liates, One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183. In FL: Auto insurance policies are underwritten by First Floridian Auto and Home Insurance Company, The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company, or by The Travelers Commercial Insurance Company. In MA: Auto policies are underwritten by The Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts, an independent, single-state subsidiary of The Travelers Indemnity Company. In NJ: Auto insurance policies are underwritten by Travelers Auto Insurance Co. of New Jersey, a single state, independent subsidiary of The Travelers Indemnity Company. In TX: Auto insurance is offered by Travelers MGA, Inc. and underwritten by Consumers County Mutual Insurance Company. Š 2010 The Travelers Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

(Client # 101391)

1-800-524-9400

(1-800-438-6388)

1-888-695-4640

12

5

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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 UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ WKDW WKH PHVVDJH SURGXFW RU VHUYLFH LV DV UHSUHVHQWHG by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be OLDEOH IRU DQ\ XVH RI RU UHOLDQFH RQ DQ\ VXFK LQIRUPDWLRQ SURGXFW RU service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry DGYHUWLVHPHQWV RI DQ\ QDWXUH SROLWLFDO RU RWKHUZLVH WKDW PD\ EH YLHZHG as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.

Advertising Policy State Employees Association of North Carolina 3 2 'UDZHU Â&#x2021; 5DOHLJK 1& 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH Â&#x2021; 5DOHLJK 1& 7HOHSKRQH www.seanc.org TONI DAVIS (GLWRU ,Q &KLHI ERICA BALDWIN, Managing Editor MARY ADELAIDE BELL $VVRFLDWH (GLWRU $GYHUWLVLQJ 0DQDJHU AMBER ERNST, Associate Editor SARA BETH MCLAMB, Communications Intern

City Fayetteville Winston-Salem Asheville

1 800 GET-MET 8

Date May 6-7 May 10-11 May 17-18

Request your free quotes today!

THE

sbmclamb@seanc.org %\ QRZ \RXÂśYH SUREDEO\ UHFHLYHG \RXU FHQVXV IRUP EXW KDYH \RX ÂżOOHG LW RXW DQG PDLOHG LW EDFN LQ" ,I QRW JR GR LW QRZ FHQVXV UHVXOWV LPSDFW you as a state employee more than you may know!

The census gathers population data that is XVHG WR GHWHUPLQH WKH SRSXODWLRQV RI WRZQV counties and states. That information is later used to DOORFDWH FRQJUHVVLRQDO VHDWV HOHFWRUDO YRWHV DQG WKH GLVWULEXWLRQ RI PRUH WKDQ ELOOLRQ LQ IHGHUDO IXQGV each year. The largest single recipient of that money is state governments.

That means North Carolina receives money thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used to fund the vital public services you provide Âą VXFK DV SXEOLF VDIHW\ WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG KHDOWK services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; based on census results. ,Q VWDWHV ORVW ELOOLRQ GXH WR XQGHUFRXQWV LQ WKH FHQVXV :LWK WKH UHFHQW EXGJHW GHÂżFLWV WKDWÂśV money North Carolina canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford to lose!

6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH ZDV 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 &DUROLQD WR ÂżOO RXW WKH FHQVXV TXHVWLRQQDLUH Âł7KLV \HDUÂśV FHQVXV IRUP LV TXHVWLRQV ORQJ ,WÂśV WKH VKRUWHVW LQ KLVWRU\ ´ VDLG &RSH Âł5HVSRQGLQJ WR the census is one more way SEANC members can VHUYH WKH VWDWH RI 1RUWK &DUROLQD DQG LW RQO\ WDNHV minutes.â&#x20AC;? $V RI SUHVV WLPH SHUFHQW RI 1RUWK &DUROLQD residents had returned their census forms. If you have QRW UHFHLYHG \RXU FHQVXV TXHVWLRQQDLUH \HW SOHDVH contact the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 866-872-6868.

[

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Did you miss NOC Training in April?

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you still have three chances to attend!

Frankie Bordeaux (D)

Doug Berger * (D)

R. Benjamin Clark III (D)

Lula Crenshaw (D)

Gladys Robinson (D)

Edgecombe, Martin, Pitt

Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren

Hoke, Robeson

Cumberland

Guilford

* Incumbents Italicized Names are SEANC Members

Great time to put your beneďŹ ts to work for you!

GRE AT SAVINGS. GRE AT SERVICE. GRE AT BENEFITS North Carolina Senate Ken Waddell (D)

Bernard Allen II (D)

Jeanne Bonds (D)

Chris Heagarty * (D)

Tom Murry (R)

Elmer Floyd * (D)

Charles Graham (D)

Brunswick, Columbus

Wake

Wake

Wake

Wake

Cumberland

Robeson

Fred Foster Jr. (D)

Alma Adams * (D)

John Faircloth (R)

Pat Hurley * (R)

Shirley Randleman * (R)

Rodney Moore (D)

Mark Crawford (R)

Durham, Person

Guilford

Guilford

Randolph

Wilkes

Mecklenburg

Buncombe

North Carolina House

BY SARA BETH MCLAMB

CENSUS: Be acCOUNTed For!

SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Auto Insurance Program for SEANC Members

Get to Know Your Endorsed Candidates

PUBLIC POLICY

MEMBER ACTION

MEMBER ANNUAL ACTION MEETINGS* DISTRICT

PUBLIC POLICY

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 ofďŹ cers, Policy Platform Objectives, SEANC Bylaws and more. To ďŹ nd out your district number, go to www.seanc.org under â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quick Links.â&#x20AC;? Contact your district ofďŹ cers to conďŹ rm the meeting dates, times and locations as they are subject to change, or check the calendar of events at www.seanc.org.

Dist.

-XQH

Time 6:00 p.m.

Location -DFNVRQ &RXQW\ &RPPXQLW\ 6HUYLFHV %XLOGLQJ 538 Scotts Creek Rd.

City

Dinner

Sylva

Yes

District Chairperson Teddy Greene - tgreene@ncdot.gov

2

:D\QH )LVK ZD\QHBÂżV#PVQ FRP

3

Bob Gibbard - gibbardro@appstate.edu

-LPP\ 'DYLV VHDQFBG #\DKRR FRP

5

May 18

6:00 p.m.

:HVWHUQ 3LHGPRQW &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJH /HDUQLQJ 5HVRXUFH &HQWHU 5P %XUNHPRQW $YH

Morganton

6

-XO\

5:30 p.m.

Broughton Hospital Chapel Assembly Room 1000 S. Sterling St.

Morganton

7

May 25

5:15 p.m.

- ,YHUVRQ 5LGGOH 'HYHORSPHQW &HQWHU *\P 300 Enola Rd.

Morganton

Yes

-XQH

6:30 p.m.

%DUEDUD /HDWKHUPDQÂśV +RXVH : 1& +Z\

Newton

Yes

Yes

Wayne Freeman - Wayne.Freeman@ncmail.net

8

Melissa Freeman - mfreeman@wpcc.edu

Scott McMahan - rutherfordtonheel@yahoo.com Larry Brent Reeves - brentreeve@charter.net Barbara Leatherman - leatherlee@charter.net .HQ %HDYHU END #GRF VWDWH QF XV

10 11

May 18

6:30 p.m.

$QVRQ &RXQW\ '27 0DLQWHQDQFH %XLOGLQJ 1015 Old Prison Camp Rd.

12

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6:00 p.m.

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Polkton

Yes

6LGQH\ 6DQG\ VDQGPDQ VHDQF#DRO FRP

Charlotte

Yes

-HDQ 0DUWLQ PDULO\Q PDUWLQ #\DKRR FRP

13

Sue Eldridge - eldridgem@bellsouth.net

16

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6:00 p.m.

:LQVWRQ 6DOHP 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ 'LJJV *DOOHU\ 6 0DUWLQ /XWKHU .LQJ -U 'U

17

May 17

6:00 p.m.

18

-XQH

20

Winston-Salem

Yes

Linda Moore - lmoore@ncdot.gov

.LPEHUÂśV 5HVWDXUDQW : 0DLQ 6W

Gibsonville

Yes

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6:30 p.m.

6KRQH\ÂśV ( %URDG $YH

Rockingham

Yes

Pamela Locklear - lpj02@doc.state.nc.us

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

2:$6$ %XLOGLQJ -RQHV )HUU\ 5G

Carrboro

Yes

Marie Tate - marie.tate@orange.k12.nc.us

-XQH

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7%'

21

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5:30 p.m.

South Granville Administration Building 6 &DPSXV 'U

Creedmoor

22

-XQH

7:00 p.m.

3HDGHQÂśV 6HDIRRG 0F$UWKXU 5G

Fayetteville

Yes

Michele Shaw - micheleshaw22@gmail.com

23

May 20

7:00 p.m.

6W 3DXOV &RPPXQLW\ %XLOGLQJ 1 UG 6W

St. Pauls

Yes

-HUHP\ 5HJLVWHU MJU #\PDLO FRP

May 20

6:00 p.m.

Columbus County Cooperative Extension *RYHUQPHQW &RPSOH[ 5G

Cliff Brown - seanc2@nc.rr.com -RHO 9DOHQWLQH MRHO YDOHQWLQH#QFGHQU JRY

Whiteville

The expected savings from these cuts is $1 PLOOLRQ D VPDOO VOLFH RI '++6Âś ELOOLRQ EXGJHW Employees at the deaf schools expressed outrage DERXW WKH JURZLQJ DGPLQLVWUDWLYH VWDII ZKLOH WKHLU 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. Âł:H DUH XQGHU WKH KDQGV RI SHRSOH ZKR NQRZ QRWKLQJ RI GHDI HGXFDWLRQ ´ VDLG &URRP Âł:RXOG ZH JR WR D ODZ\HU IRU PHGLFDO SUREOHPV" 1R ZH JR where we get the appropriate services. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost as if OES has turned a deaf ear to deaf education.â&#x20AC;?

'HDI VFKRROV QRW RQO\ SURYLGH HGXFDWLRQ IURP NLQGHUJDUWHQ WKURXJK JUDGH EXW RIIHU OLIH VNLOOV

schools are the types of issues SEANC expects to take up in meet and confer meetings outlined by the executive order. $V RI SUHVV WLPH 6($1& KDG PHHWLQJV VFKHGXOHG with the Morganton deaf school and the blind school in Raleigh to hear employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concerns. Âł7KLV LV FOHDUO\ D EDFN GRRU DSSURDFK WR VKXWWLQJ down or merging the three schools â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a proposal that failed in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House budget with good UHDVRQ ´ VDLG 6($1& /HJLVODWLYH $IIDLUV 'LUHFWRU Ardis Watkins. Âł7KH VWDWH QHHGV WR ORRN EH\RQG GROODUV DQG FHQWV ´ FRQWLQXHG :DWNLQV Âł7KH\ QHHG WR OLVWHQ WR the parents and employees who care for and educate children with special needs and circumstances.â&#x20AC;?

training in the residence halls as well. Members of WKH GHDI FRPPXQLW\ KDYH WKHLU RZQ FXOWXUH RQH WKH\ DUH SURXG WR EH D SDUW RI EXW WKH\ QHHG WUDLQLQJ WR adapt to a hearing world.

Executive Order 45 Opens Door for SEANC Because SEANC represents more than 20 percent RI '++6 HPSOR\HHV WKH JRYHUQRUœV ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU DOORZV 6($1& WR PHHW ZLWK GHFLVLRQ PDNHUV LQ '++6 DQG KDYH DFFHVV WR HPSOR\HHV ZLWKLQ WKH DJHQF\ 7KH PHHWLQJV H[SHFWHG TXDUWHUO\ DUH IRU WKH SXUSRVH RI ³LPSURYLQJ HPSOR\HH PDQDJHPHQW UHODWLRQV DQG LPSURYLQJ VHUYLFHV WR WKH SXEOLF ´ DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH executive order.

The budget cuts affecting the deaf and blind

ebaldwin@seanc.org

Great Coverage Starts with Blue

-RQDWKDQ 6WHSKHQVRQ VWHSKHMD#HPDLO XQF HGX

26

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6:00 p.m.

3RON &RUUHFWLRQDO ,QVWLWXWLRQ 9HD]H\ 5G

Butner

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6:00 p.m.

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Gracie LaSane - gracie_lesane@msn.com

Raleigh

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SM

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36 37

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

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38

-XQH

5:30 p.m.

6($1& &HQWUDO 2IÂżFH 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH

Raleigh

& - 6WHSKHQV FMVWHSKHQV#QF UU FRP

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

0F.LPPRQ &HQWHU *RUPDQ 6W

Raleigh

Art Anthony - araleighwood@netscape.com

Affordable, Quality Health Insurance If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have access to health coverage through an employer, or if you just need health coverage for family members, Blue AdvantageÂŽ is the program that gives you ďŹ&#x201A;exibility, convenience and options to ďŹ t your budget and your lifestyle.

April Graham - dat01@doc.state.nc.us

)UDQN %URZQ EIH GLVW #\DKRR FRP -XQH

5:30 p.m.

6($1& &HQWUDO 2IÂżFH 0LGWRZQ 3ODFH

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Raleigh

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-XQH

6:00 p.m.

/RJDQÂśV 5RDGKRXVH 7LPEHU 'U (

Garner

Yes

Bruce Garner - bhgarner@yahoo.com

May 26

6:00 p.m.

/RJDQÂśV 5RDGKRXVH 7LPEHU 'U (

Garner

Yes

-RKQ :LOOLDPV ZLOOLDPV #EHOOVRXWK QHW

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5:30 p.m.

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Raleigh

Plan A: s $15 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions

Plan B: s $25 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions after $200 deductible

Plan C: s $30 doctor visits s $10 generic prescriptions after $500 deductible

Roanoke Rapids

Yes

0LFKDHO -RKQVRQ MPD #GRF VWDWH QF XV

Wilson

Yes

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6PLWKÂżHOG

Yes

Eddie Brogden - bje03@doc.state.nc.us

Charlotte Area

Triad Area

Wilmington Area

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Authorized Agents

Authorized Agents

Carolyn Sutton - carolynm@earthlink.net

VAN TAYLOR NANCY MORRIS MATT HEMBY RON TUCKER

TODD PARHAM LORI PARHAM

www.bluechipins.com 800-914-4220

58

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Holt Lake Bar-B-Que & Seafood 86 +Z\ 6RXWK

-XQH

6:00 p.m.

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Goldsboro

Yes

60

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6:00 p.m.

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Goldsboro

Yes

61

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7:00 p.m.

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Burgaw

Blue Chip Insurance Agency

Ricky Rivenbark - rickybark22@hotmail.com

62

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6:30 p.m.

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Greenville

Yes

Gene Mills - tylerstormspring@gmail.com

65

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Greenville

Yes

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66

May 20

6:30 p.m.

TBA

.LQVWRQ

Yes

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Robert Barnhill - rbarnhill@ec.rr.com

67

Bill Boyle - wboyle@suddenlink.net

68

Rita Woods - lra01@doc.state.nc.us

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6:00 p.m.

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Yes

Arvis Sutton - asutton1253@yahoo.com

71

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6:00 p.m.

3DUNHUÂśV %DUEHFXH 86 +Z\ 6

Wilson

Yes

Stuart Glover - comanchecreekllc@yahoo.com

704-527-4220 or 800-286-4220

6KHLOD 3HUU\ VPSHUU\G #\DKRR FRP

336-996-0909 or 866-907-0909

Authorized Agents

RONALD SHEFFIELD 910-686-8761 DIANE SHEFFIELD 910-686-8762

Contact your authorized Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina agent for costs and further details of coverage, limitations, exclusions and terms under which the policy may be continued in force. An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ÂŽ Mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

SM Mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U2082m, 5/06

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

14

Small Savings, Big SacriďŹ ces

Terry Baker - ghostbuster151@yahoo.com

25

LEFT: SEANC member Rudy Croom, an employee at the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf, signs his concerns about studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 beneďŹ t employees and citizens who use state services, such as the deaf school.

3

6

1

Date

PHOTOS BY MATT HANDS, WILSON TIMES

* As of press time.

11

Call 800-222-2758 to sign up today or go to www.seanc.org.

Because they just saved $841 by using SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spectera Vision Insurance. These rates are available to SEANC members only.

Why are Suzanne and Henry looking through rose-colored glasses?

3UHVLGHQW RI WKH 1 & 6WDWH 5HWLUHHV &OXE -DPHV 0RUJDQ FOXE PHPEHU 5HY 6DUD 0RUJDQ FHQWHU DQG 'LVWULFW PHPEHU DQG SDVW SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 1 & 6WDWH 5HWLUHHV &OXE 6KLUOH\ 3HUU\ ULJKW GLVSOD\ VWRFNLQJV WKH\ GLVWULEXWHG WR UHVLGHQWV of the Central Heights community in Goldsboro.

N.C. State Retirees Hold a Christmas Party PHOTO BY ORIE HENRY JR.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something that could reduce the $563 million annual turnover cost in state government.â&#x20AC;? 6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH RQ ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU LQ WKH )HE 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH Âł3HUGXH SEANC speaks for state workers.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;By and large, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.â&#x20AC;?

6($1& ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH LQ WKH 0DUFK 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH Âł6DODU\ KLVWRULHV NHSW IURP SXEOLF ´ â&#x20AC;&#x153;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, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just appalling. Ultimately, the effect on the schools will be that slowly, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll shut down. Staff is going to leave. Kids are going to leave.â&#x20AC;?

6($1& /HJLVODWLYH $IIDLUV 'LUHFWRU $UGLV :DWNLQV RQ WKH EXGJHW FXWV DW WKH (DVWHUQ 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6FKRRO IRU WKH 'HDI LQ WKH 0DUFK :5$/ UHSRUW ³%XGJHW VKRUWIDOO DIIHFWLQJ VHUYLFHV DW VWDWH VFKRROV ´

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody here plays an important role. And you start cutting people, you might start losing quality down the line.â&#x20AC;?

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;If North Carolina is lower [in cost] than other states, how much lower could we be if we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t supplementing Blue Crossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CEO bonuses, sponsorships and buffets?â&#x20AC;? 6($1& $VVLVWDQW 'LUHFWRU of Communications Erica Baldwin in the Feb. 26 News & Observer DUWLFOH Âł+HDOWK SODQ RI 1 & EHDW LWV QHLJKERUVÂś ´ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to take it anymore. While theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the RitzCarlton eating their big shrimp and high-dollar meals, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re outside eating Ritz crackers, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to send a message that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tired of their CEOs making over $4 million a year when folks are literally dying because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have access to health insurance in this country.â&#x20AC;? SEANC Executive 'LUHFWRU 'DQD &RSH LQ WKH 0DUFK 1HZV &DUROLQD UHSRUW Âł6WDWH HPSOR\HHV JR WR ' & WR SURWHVW LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQLHV ´

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Quotes to Note PUBLIC POLICY

Want to see more SEANC in the News? Check out www.seanc.org under â&#x20AC;&#x153;Newsâ&#x20AC;?

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6($1& LV H[FLWHG WR DQQRXQFH -DPHV 9DXJKDQ RI 'LVWULFW DV WKH QHZ HDVWHUQ region member action coordinator. A native of 0DUWLQ &RXQW\ 9DXJKDQ KDV EHHQ D PHPEHU RI 6($1& VLQFH DQG KDV VHUYHG DV KLV GLVWULFWÂśV FKDLUPDQ IRU VHYHQ \HDUV YLFH chairman for three years and eastern region representative to the Executive Committee for RQH DQG D KDOI \HDUV DPRQJ RWKHU SRVLWLRQV 8SRQ KLV KLULQJ 9DXJKDQ VWDWHG Âł6($1& 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 canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to get started.â&#x20AC;?

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BY SARA BETH MCLAMB

Vaughan Named Eastern Member Action Coordinator MEMBER ACTION

COLUMNS

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

BY TONY SMITH

Time to Gear Up for the Legislative Session

Counselorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comments

BY TOM HARRIS

SEE-nik. Hard to say. Easy to join.

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You and your bank â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who is responsible for what? 8QGHU IHGHUDO ODZ EDQNV PXVW PDNH IXQGV DYDLODEOH WR \RX IURP 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 7UHDVXU\ FKHFNV RIÂżFLDO EDQN FKHFNV FDVKLHUÂśV FHUWLÂżHG DQG WHOOHUV FKHFNV DQG FKHFNV SDLG E\ JRYHUQPHQW DJHQFLHV DW WKH RSHQLQJ RI WKH GD\ DIWHU \RX GHSRVLW WKH FKHFN )RU RWKHU FKHFNV EDQNV PXVW VLPLODUO\ PDNH WKH ÂżUVW DYDLODEOH WKH GD\ DIWHU \RX GHSRVLW WKH check. The remaining funds are available on the second day after the deposit if SD\DEOH E\ D ORFDO EDQN DQG ZLWKLQ ÂżYH GD\V LI GUDZQ RQ GLVWDQW EDQNV +RZHYHU MXVW EHFDXVH IXQGV DUH DYDLODEOH RQ D FKHFN \RXÂśYH GHSRVLWHG GRHV QRW mean the check is good. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best not to rely on money from any type of check unless \RX NQRZ DQG WUXVW WKH SHUVRQ \RX DUH GHDOLQJ ZLWK RU XQWLO WKH EDQN FRQÂżUPV WKDW WKH FKHFN KDV FOHDUHG 7KH ERWWRP OLQH LV WKDW XQWLO WKH EDQN FRQÂżUPV WKDW WKH IXQGV IURP WKH FKHFN KDYH EHHQ GHSRVLWHG LQWR \RXU DFFRXQW \RX DUH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU DQ\ funds you withdraw against that account.

If you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a victim or have been targeted E\ D FRXQWHUIHLW FKHFN VFDP UHSRUW LW WR WKH IROORZLQJ DJHQFLHV 7KH )HGHUDO 7UDGH &RPPLVVLRQ DW ZZZ IWF JRY RU )7& +(/3 WKH 8 6 3RVWDO 6HUYLFH DW ZZZ XVSV JRY ZHEVLWHV GHSDUW LQVSHFW RU FDOO \RXU ORFDO SRVW RIÂżFH RU WKH &RQVXPHU 3URWHFWLRQ 'LYLVLRQ RI WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDOÂśV 2IÂżFH DW 12 6&$0 $V VWDWH HPSOR\HHV DQG UHWLUHHV ZH NQRZ WKHUH LV QR HDV\ PRQH\ VR LI \RX UHFHLYH DQ RIIHU WKDW ORRNV WRR JRRG WR EH WUXH FKDQFHV DUH LW LV

7KH 1RUWK &DUROLQD *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ UHFRQYHQHV RQ :HGQHVGD\ 0D\ DQG 6($1& /REE\ 'D\ LV 7XHVGD\ -XQH 7KHVH DUH WZR LPSRUWDQW dates that I want yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;all to keep in mind over the coming weeks. We have a lot RI ZRUN WR GR DQG , LQYLWH \RX WR MRLQ PH DW WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ RQ -XQH IRU 6($1& /REE\ 'D\ WR KHOS JHW LW GRQH 7KLV \HDU LV D VKRUW OHJLVODWLYH VHVVLRQ EXW LW is also an election year. This means we have less WLPH WR DFKLHYH RXU OHJLVODWLYH JRDOV DQG ZH ZLOO be dealing with distracted legislators. We need to remind our elected officials that they need to focus on more than their re-election campaigns â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they need to keep their eyes and minds on the business at hand this session.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re facing another year of challenges. In D 0DUFK 1HZV 2EVHUYHU DUWLFOH LW ZDV Smith reported that the state is forecasting another EXGJHW VKRUWIDOO ZKLFK PHDQV WKDW VWDWH HPSOR\HHV DQG WHDFKHUV VKRXOGQÂśW expect pay raises.

We need to make our presence known to the ladies and gentlemen on -RQHV 6WUHHW $V EXGJHW LWHPV DUH UHYLHZHG ZH QHHG WR HQVXUH WKDW WKH\ know they cannot continue to balance the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. :H KDYH PDGH JDLQV WKLV \HDU EXW ZH VWLOO KDYH ZRUN WR GR :H KDYH JDLQHG WKH ULJKW WR PHHW DQG FRQIHU WKURXJK ([HFXWLYH 2UGHU EXW ZH VWLOO QHHG WR OREE\ RXU OHJLVODWRUV WR UHSHDO * 6 Â&#x2020; )HGHUDO KHDOWK FDUH UHIRUP SDVVHG DQG ZDV VLJQHG LQWR ODZ EXW WKH 6WDWH +HDOWK 3ODQ LV VWLOO under the oversight of the General Assembly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we need to encourage our legislators to move its oversight to another agency.

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6R OHWÂśV JHW JHDUHG XS IRU WKLV OHJLVODWLYH VHVVLRQ ,W PD\ EH VKRUW EXW ZH can make sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s productive. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all come together to raise our voices on -XQH DQG OHW WKH OHJLVODWXUH NQRZ ZH PHDQ EXVLQHVV

Making benefits count for SEANC Members!

SEANC members enjoy the convenience of using Colonial Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Call Center to apply for coverage over the phone with one of our Benefit Representatives.

Providing quality and affordable insurance to SEANC members for over 30 years.

We appreciate doing business with you!

New for North Carolina Retirees!

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s What to Do: Visit the Colonial Life website or obtain a SEANC Handbook for specific product information youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need prior to calling the Call Center.

Dial the Benefit Enrollment Call Center toll free at

1.866.265.3599.

Colonial Life Products: https://www.coloniallife.com/callcenter

Cancer Insurance (with optional $5,000 initial diagnosis benefit)

Critical Illness Insurance (up to $10,000 in benefits, with no taxes being due at the point of claim)

Hospital Confinement Indemnity Insurance (offered on a guaranteed issue basis) Raleigh Area: Danny Cotten 919.552.8584 jwcj2@earthlink.net

Whole Life Insurance

Policies have exclusions and limitations that may affect benefits payable.

Statewide: Ken Lang 1.888.SEANC 4 U (toll free) klang@roberttaylorgroup.com

Please call us if we can be of service.

71750-1

02/10

Colonial Life products are underwritten by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, for which Colonial Life is the marketing brand.

Colonial Life 1200 Colonial Life Boulevard Columbia, South Carolina 29210 coloniallife.com

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STATEWIDE SALES AND SERVICE

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Fran Albritton, LUTCF Locust, NC

*OREDO

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Rob Jernigan Fayetteville, NC

Will Walters Fayetteville, NC

John Hill New Bern, NC

Jeff Tate Henderson, NC

Chris Harris Greenville, NC

Page Simpson Raleigh, NC

Steve Hamilton, LUTCF Barnardsville, NC

Shelley Kittrell Sanford, NC

Junior Edge Fayetteville, NC

Scott Kittrell Sanford, NC

Ty Cobb, CFP Angier, NC

Kevin Hill New Bern, NC

(just outside the General Assembly building)

PUBLIC POLICY

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SEANC CHIEF OF STAFF/GENERAL COUNSEL

Beware of Scams in Economic Downturn

tharris@seanc.org

tsmith@seanc.org

bly building)

Join Us for SEANC Lobby Day June 8, 2010 U 10:00 a.m. U Halifax Mall, Raleigh

Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2018;Â?ÇĄ ÇŻÂ&#x2022; Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x160; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2013;Â&#x2022; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201E;Â&#x192;Â&#x17D; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x160;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2013;Â&#x201D;Â&#x192;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D; Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â?Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â?Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x203A;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2020; Â&#x2026;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2026;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x2022; ÇŚ Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â? Â&#x192;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x203A;Ǩ

A L L S E A N C M E M B E R S & S TAT E E M P L O Y E E S I N V I T E D !

Ron Jackson Raleigh, NC

Chris Woodby Burnsville, NC Mark Younts Salisbury, NC

3527(&7,9( /,)(

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.

NC State Employees Service Office 8364 Six Forks Road Suite 200 Raleigh, NC 27615 Toll Free 800-334-1217 Local 919-844-1777 www.ncbenefits.com

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For more information, please contact Tiffany Woodard at 800-222-2758 or twoodard@seanc.org.

All State E

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THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

10

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Group Code: SNC2191 Visit www.SEANC.PurchasingPower.com or call 800-903-0703 Go online today to see the latest products Purchasing Power has to offer!

Purchasing Power is a unique member benefit program, which helps you purchase the new, brand-name computers, electronics and home appliances you want and need for you and your family through the ease of payroll deduction.

Use payroll deduction for all your important purchases.

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RIF Letters Impact Safety

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employees of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three schools for deaf and blind students. of your paycheck or your job. Unfortunately, this choice was a reality for

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Imagine you have a week to make a choice: lose up to 20 percent Â&#x2018;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;ÇĄ Â&#x160;Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;ÇĄ

BY ERICA BALDWIN

Deaf Schools Face Harsh Cuts Affecting Student Safety

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PUBLIC POLICY

MEMBER ACTION

PUBLIC POLICY

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 childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Ten Policy Platform Objectives to improve the quality and affordability of health care for all Americans.

How Federal Health Reform BeneďŹ ts North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Employees and Retirees

BY CHUCK STONE, DIRECTOR OF NORTH CAROLINIANS FOR AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

2010 Â&#x2021;

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$OORZV GHSHQGHQW FKLOGUHQ WR UHPDLQ RQ WKH parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Health Plan (SHP) coverage to age 26 (even if not enrolled in college) (OLPLQDWHV GHQLDO RI FRYHUDJH RI FKLOGUHQ IRU pre-existing conditions by private insurance FRPSDQLHV ZKLFK FRXOG UHVXOW LQ ORZHU SUHPLXPV for children 3URKLELWV OLIHWLPH FDSV RQ FRYHUDJH %DQV LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQLHV IURP GURSSLQJ coverage when people get sick $OORZV XQLQVXUHG DGXOWV ZLWK SUH H[LVWLQJ conditions to obtain coverage through a VXEVLGL]HG KLJK ULVN SRRO WKH SURJUDP H[SLUHV LQ ZKHQ QHZ LQVXUDQFH H[FKDQJHV EHJLQ operating 3URYLGHV IHGHUDO UHLPEXUVHPHQW SD\PHQWV RI FODLPV WR WKH 6+3 IRU HDFK QRQ 0HGLFDUH UHWLUHH thus reducing state appropriations needed for the 6+3

5HGXFHV WKH ³KLGGHQ WD[´ RI WKDW LQVXUHG N.C. families pay annually in higher premiums DQG UHGXFHG KHDOWK EHQH¿WV WR RII VHW WKH FRVWV RI the uninsured (2010-2018)

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2014 Â&#x2021;

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2011 Â&#x2021; (OLPLQDWHV VRPH FXUUHQW GHGXFWLEOHV DQG RXW of-pocket expenses for certain preventative care VHUYLFHV LQ WKH 6+3 VXFK DV DJH DSSURSULDWH colonoscopies

3URYLGHV IHGHUDO VXEVLGLHV WR DVVLVW IDPLOLHV LQ SD\LQJ GHSHQGHQW KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH SUHPLXPV thus reducing dependent expenses to many state employee families (families of four earning \HDU RU OHVV

$OORZV SXUFKDVH RI GHSHQGHQW FRYHUDJH WKURXJK state insurance exchanges (OLPLQDWHV GHQLDO RI FRYHUDJH IRU SUH H[LVWLQJ conditions by private insurance companies ([SDQGV 0HGLFDLG WR SHUFHQW RI IHGHUDO SRYHUW\ OHYHO IRU D IDPLO\ RI IRXU DQG LQFOXGHV FKLOGOHVV DGXOWV IRU WKH ÂżUVW WLPH 3ODFHV DQQXDO FDSV RQ PD[LPXP RXW RI SRFNHW expenses 5HTXLUHV PRVW 8 6 FLWL]HQV DQG OHJDO UHVLGHQWV to have health insurance with limited exceptions EDVHG RQ LQFRPH KRZHYHU IHGHUDO VXEVLGLHV DUH available (see above) 3KDVHV LQ D WD[ SHQDOW\ IRU WKRVH IDLOLQJ WR FDUU\ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH DW \HDU LQ DQG LQFUHDVLQJ WR a maximum of 2.5 percent of taxable income in 2016

NOTE: While the legislation imposes an excise tax RQ KLJK GROODU KHDOWK SODQV H[FHHGLQJ \HDU

IRU DQ LQGLYLGXDO DQG \HDU IRU D IDPLO\ WKH State Health Plan is not in this category since the VWDWH RQO\ SD\V D PD[LPXP SHU \HDU IRU DQ employee and $0 for a family. (2018)

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5HEDWHV WR 0HGLFDUH UHFLSLHQWV DIIHFWHG E\ the donut hole (2010) 3URYLGHV IUHH SUHYHQWLYH FDUH LQFOXGLQJ DQQXDO wellness exams and elimination of out-of-pocket FR SD\PHQWV IRU SUHYHQWLYH EHQHÂżWV VXFK DV FDQFHU and diabetes screening (2011) 3KDVHV LQ HOLPLQDWLRQ RI 0HGLFDUH 3DUW ' GRQXW KROH DOORZLQJ SXUFKDVH RI QHHGHG PHGLFDWLRQV (2010-2020) 5HGXFHV 0HGLFDUH 3DUW % SUHPLXP LQFUHDVHV IRU the 1.2 million seniors not enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (2011) (QVXUHV 0HGLFDUH $GYDQWDJH SODQV PXVW VSHQG more money on patient care and less on executive bonuses (2011-2015) 2IIHUV D YROXQWDU\ SURJUDP &/$66 WR SURYLGH community-based services for people with severe disabilities (2011) 3URYLGHV SHUFHQW ERQXV SD\PHQWV WR SULPDU\ FDUH SK\VLFLDQV DQG JHQHUDO VXUJHRQV

cstone@seanc.org

SEANC Members Turned Activists BY

DANA COPE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

)LQDOO\ Âą YLFWRU\ RQ KHDOWK FDUH 7KLV KLVWRULF KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH UHIRUP ELOO LV QRZ ODZ 'LG \RX know that the debate over health care has been ongoing since the beginning of the 20th century EDFN ZKHQ 3UHVLGHQW 7KHRGRUH 5RRVHYHOW Âą QRW )'5 P\ IULHQGV Âą EXW ZKHQ 7HGG\ 5RRVHYHOW ZDV in office?

The national health care debate was exciting to me for many reasons. It accomplished one RI 6($1&ÂśV 7RS 7HQ 3ROLF\ 3ODWIRUP 2EMHFWLYHV WKDW Âł6($1& ZLOO support federal and state legislation to provide access to quality and DIIRUGDEOH KHDOWK FDUH IRU DOO 8QLWHG 6WDWHV FLWL]HQV ´ 2Q D SHUVRQDO OHYHO LW DIILUPHG P\ GHHSO\ KHOG EHOLHI WKDW KHDOWK FDUH LV D PRUDO ULJKW WR HYHU\ PDQ ZRPDQ DQG FKLOG LQ $PHULFD $OWKRXJK QRW D SHUIHFW ELOO E\ DQ\ PHDQV LW LV WKH ODZ RI WKH ODQG ,W PHDQV RXU GHSHQGHQWV FDQ REWDLQ KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH ZLWK SUH H[LVWLQJ FRQGLWLRQV LW PHDQV WKDW \RX can insure your children through age 26 and much more. The health care debate also brought home what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been saying for years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; namely ZKDW KDSSHQV LQ :DVKLQJWRQ ' & GLUHFWO\ DIIHFWV 1RUWK &DUROLQD $QG LWÂśV RQH RI WKH UHDVRQV WKDW 6($1& FKRVH WR EHFRPH 6($1& 6(,8 Local 2008.

Cope One of the ways that it affected North Carolina and SEANC members LQ SDUWLFXODU ZDV WKDW ZH JRW DFWLYH LQ D PHDQLQJIXO SHUVRQDO ZD\ 1RW RQO\ GLG ZH ZULWH OHWWHUV PDNH SKRQH FDOOV VLJQ SHWLWLRQV DQG ODXQFK D KHDOWK UHIRUP :HE VLWH EXW ZH SXW RXU ERRWV RQ WKH ground time and time again as health care activists. We told our personal health care stories â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DERXW RXU VHFRQG MREV WR SD\ IRU RXU IDPLO\ KHDOWK FDUH DERXW RXU IDPLO\ PHPEHUV QR ORQJHU ZLWK us because of their lack of or denial of health care and about the injustice of even having to have WKLV FRQYHUVDWLRQ LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV RI $PHULFD It was SEANC members who became the go-to health care activists and leaders for change LQ RXU FRPPXQLWLHV QRW MXVW LQ 5DOHLJK EXW VWDWHZLGH 2XU PHPEHUV KHOG KHDOWK FDUH IRUXPV LQ *UHHQYLOOH /LOOLQJWRQ .LQVWRQ &ROID[ 0RUJDQWRQ 5DOHLJK %XUJDZ %XWQHU DQG &O\GH WKDW GUHZ WKRXVDQGV RI HYHU\GD\ SHRSOH IRU DQG DJDLQVW KHDOWK FDUH UHIRUP 8 6 &RQJUHVVPHQ WKH PHGLD and most importantly our members. We protested outside of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North &DUROLQDÂśV FRUSRUDWH KHDGTXDUWHUV UDOOLHG LQ 5DOHLJK LQ VXSSRUW RI 5HS %RE (WKHULGJH SURWHVWHG LQ &RQFRUG LQ RSSRVLWLRQ WR 5HS /DUU\ .LVVHOO DQG PDGH RXU YRLFHV KHDUG LQ QHZVSDSHUV RQ 79 on facebook and across the blogosphere.

The event that made me the proudest was when more than 200 of our SEANC activists and IULHQGV DQVZHUHG WKH FDOO WR MRLQ RXU EURWKHUV DQG VLVWHUV LQ :DVKLQJWRQ ' & WR UDOO\ LQ VXSSRUW of health care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of whom woke up before 3:00 a.m. to do so.

1DWLRQDO KHDOWK LQVXUDQFH UHIRUP LV D UHDOLW\ EXW WKH ZRUN RQ KHDOWK FDUH GRHVQœW VWRS QRZ :H PXVW FRQWLQXH LW DW WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ WKLV PRQWK 6($1& DFWLYLVWV FRPH MRLQ PH WKLV PRQWK IRU 1RUWK &DUROLQD 2UJDQL]HU &RUSV 12& WUDLQLQJ DQG 6($1&œV /REE\ 'D\ RQ -XQH $V RQH SURYHUE JRHV ³6RPH SHRSOH PDNH WKLQJV KDSSHQ VRPH ZDWFK WKLQJV KDSSHQ ZKLOH RWKHUV ZRQGHU ZKDW KDV KDSSHQHG ´ :HOO 6($1& PHPEHUV KDYH VKRZQ WKURXJK WKHLU WLUHOHVV 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.

PUBLIC POLICY

National health insurance reform will bring real protections and key beneďŹ ts that take effect this year.

1. Lifetime limits and restricted annual limits on coverage are eliminated. ,I ZH JHW VLFN LQVXUDQFH companies canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drop us.

3. Our children can stay covered under our policy until the age of 26.

2XU FKLOGUHQ FDQÂśW EH GHQLHG 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 LPPXQL]DWLRQV 7. Tax credits will be available for small businesses who offer coverage.

dcope@seanc.org

July 2009

PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS

PHOTO BY ERICA BALDWIN

SEANC hosts a dozen health reform town hall meetings across the state; several congressmen, including Rep. Bob Etheridge, speak at the forums.

SEIU International grants funds for SEANC member organizers to hold state legislators accountable for their State Health Plan vote and to educate members on national health insurance reform.

August-September 2009

SEANC District 39 member Shoshana Serxner shows support for Rep. Etheridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pro-health reform stance.

SEANC launches www.stopbcbs.com to call on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C. to stop using health care dollars to fund anti-reform efforts.

March 2010

November 2009

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY MARY ADELAIDE BELL

December 2008January 2009 SEANC members visit nine North Carolina congressmen, including Rep. G.K. ButterďŹ eld, to ask for their support of health care reform.

July 2009

August 2009

SEANC members and health care advocates protest outside of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C., which spent big dollars trying to block health insurance reform.

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

March 2010

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

PHOTO BY TONY BOOE

More than 200 SEANC members go to Washington, D.C. in support of health insurance reform.

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.

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

1

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010

THE REPORTER MAY 2010 *Incumbents. Italicized names are SEANC members.

13 21 28 3 7

Edgecombe, Martin, Pitt Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren R. Benjamin Clark III (D) Hoke, Robeson Lula Crenshaw (D) Cumberland Gladys Robinson (D) Guilford Frankie Bordeaux (D) Doug Berger* (D)

Dist. Candidate (Party)

Counties

North Carolina Senate 20 33 39 41 41 43 47 55 58 61 70 94 99 115

TONI DAVIS

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 Counties

North Carolina House

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 WKURXJK \HDUV ZLWK QR SD\ LQFUHDVHV ZKLOH ZH EXLOW EULGJHV WR QRZKHUH DQG RYHU SULFHG ÂżVKLQJ SLHUV EXW HQRXJK LV HQRXJK , ZDQW WR HQFRXUDJH each of you to attend this lobby day. :H 6($1& DUH WKH UHFRJQL]HG YRLFH RI VWDWH HPSOR\HHV :H FRQWLQXH WR JURZ EXW ZH must continue to have legislators stand up and WDNH QRWLFH WKDW ZH FDQQRW QRU ZLOO QRW DFFHSW another health insurance increase to our monthly bills. We endorsed and helped elect over half of WKH OHJLVODWLYH ERG\ DQG QRZ LW LV WLPH IRU WKHP to hear from us loud and clear â&#x20AC;&#x201C; represent those ZKR KHOSHG JHW \RX HOHFWHG RU ÂżQG DQRWKHU FDUHHU 7KHVH DUH WKLQJV WKDW , WKLQN DERXW HYHU\ GD\ EXW now is the time for us to stop talking and start acting.

Now I know that people are pressed for everything â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially time and money. I have KHDUG SHRSOH VD\ Âł, FDQÂśW DIIRUG WR WDNH WKH GD\ RII WR JR WR 5DOHLJK ´ %XW , KDYH WR WHOO \RX SHRSOH we cannot afford not to attend.

So go to the SEANC Web site and sign up for lobby day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for the talkers to take action.

seanc_d4@yahoo.com

mbell@seanc.org

Jimmy Davis of District 4 urges every SEANC member to take action by attending lobby day.

PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS

EMPAC Endorsements

8

9

16

tdavis@seanc.org 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 UHFHLYLQJ DQ HQGRUVHPHQW IURP WKH VWDWHZLGH (03$& HDFK FDQGLGDWH ZDV LQWHUYLHZHG DQG DSSURYHG E\ WKHLU ORFDO DUHD (03$& WHDP 7R OHDUQ PRUH DERXW (03$& DQG WKH QRPLQDWLQJ SURFHVV JR WR WKH EMPAC section of the SEANC Web site at www.seanc.org.

Endorsement Process RALEIGH Âą 7KH (PSOR\HHV 3ROLWLFDO $FWLRQ &RPPLWWHH (03$&

D VXEVLGLDU\ RI 6($1& PHW RQ 0DUFK DQG YRWHG WR PDNH endorsements for the 2010 North Carolina General Assembly May SULPDU\ HOHFWLRQV 7HQ RI WKH HQGRUVHG FDQGLGDWHV DUH 6($1& members. Âł7KH (03$& HQGRUVHPHQW PHDQV WKH ZRUOG WR PH ,W WHOOV PH P\ ZRUN DW WKH '09 ZDV YDOXHG E\ P\ IHOORZ HPSOR\HHV ,I HOHFWHG , ZLOO EH DFFHVVLEOH DQG DFFRXQWDEOH WR WKH SHRSOH ZKR SXW PH LQ RIÂżFH DQG , ZLOO ZRUN WR UHSHDO * 6 Â&#x2020; Âą WKH VWDWXWH WKDW SURKLELWV SXEOLF HPSOR\HH FROOHFWLYH EDUJDLQLQJ ´ VDLG 6($1& PHPEHU )UHG )RVWHU D UHWLUHG 'LYLVLRQ RI 0RWRU 9HKLFOHV RIÂżFHU UXQQLQJ IRU +RXVH 'LVWULFW ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR UHYLHZLQJ DQG HQGRUVLQJ VWDWHZLGH FDQGLGDWHV (03$& YRWHG WR HVWDEOLVK D SURFHVV to endorse in federal House and Senate races. The committee also voted to conduct general election LQWHUYLHZV LQ WKH XSFRPLQJ 8 6 6HQDWH UDFH 2Q 0D\ YRWHUV LQ WKH 'HPRFUDWLF SULPDU\ ZLOO GHFLGH ZKHWKHU 6HFUHWDU\ RI 6WDWH (ODLQH 0DUVKDOO D 6($1& PHPEHU RU IRUPHU VWDWH UHSUHVHQWDWLYH &DO Cunningham will compete for the Senate seat currently held by Richard Burr.

Dist. Candidate (Party) BY

Primed to Vote: EMPAC Endorses 10 SEANC Members in May 4 Primary

As Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m driving alone on the back roads of Gaston &RXQW\ IRU P\ MRE DV D VXUYHLOODQFH RIÂżFHU , KDYH plenty of time to think. I think about whether or not the probationer that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m about to visit has a GRJ VR , DOZD\V UHPHPEHU WR WDS WKH KRUQ EHIRUH , get out of the car. I think about whether or not the probationerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all 82 of them.

I also think about what it would be like to KDYH RQH MRE Âą QRW D MRE EXW RQH MRE , KDWH WR VD\ LW EXW P\ RQH MRE ZRUNLQJ IRU WKH 'LYLVLRQ RI Community Corrections doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay all my bills and my daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college tuition. So I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just work one job or even two jobs. I work any odd job Âą FXWWLQJ JUDVV VSUHDGLQJ PXOFK Âą ZKDWHYHU , FDQ to make a dollar.

7KLV EULQJV PH WR 6($1&ÂśV /REE\ 'D\ RQ -XQH ,ÂśP JRLQJ DQG , ZDQW \RX WR MRLQ PH 7KLV LV P\ UHDOLW\ P\ VWRU\ ,WÂśV LPSRUWDQW EXW LWÂśV RQO\ one story. We need to tell hundreds of stories. We must tell our elected leaders about the services we SURYLGH DQG ZK\ WKH\ DUH LPSRUWDQW WR HYHU\RQH 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 DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK LQVXUDQFH VN\URFNHW ZKLOH WKH 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 SLFWXUH EXW WKH GHPDQGV IRU VHUYLFHV ZH SURYLGH continue to increase as well as the workload of each employee.

If state employees do not show that we are GLVVDWLVÂżHG ZLWK WKH ODFN RI UDLVHV VN\URFNHWLQJ insurance costs and more demands being placed RQ XV DW ZRUN WKHQ ZH FDQ H[SHFW PRUH RI WKH same. I have also heard people stating that they are XQFRPIRUWDEOH WDONLQJ WR OHJLVODWRUV :HOO OHW PH WHOO \RX WKHVH IRONV SXW WKHLU SDQWV RQ RQH OHJ DW D WLPH MXVW OLNH \RX DQG , GR DQG \RX GRQÂśW KDYH to speak to them as though you have a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GHJUHH , XUJH \RX WR EH RSHQ XSIURQW DQG KRQHVW DERXW KRZ \RX DUH VWUXJJOLQJ WR PDNH HQGV PHHW

2Q 0DUFK WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 6XSUHPH &RXUW heard oral arguments in SEANCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public records ODZVXLW DJDLQVW WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 6WDWH 7UHDVXUHU and former State Treasurer Richard Moore. $W LVVXH ZDV ZKHWKHU RU QRW 6($1& KDG ÂżOHG ÂłD FODLP XSRQ ZKLFK UHOLHI FDQ EH JUDQWHG ´ NQRZQ LQ OHJDO FLUFOHV DV D E

PRWLRQ WR GLVPLVV UHIHUULQJ to a section of the North Carolina Rules of Civil 3URFHGXUH ZKHQ WKH DVVRFLDWLRQ VXHG IRUPHU 7UHDVXUHU Moore under the Public Records Act. SEANC filed the lawsuit in February 2008 following nearly a year of incomplete answers to public UHFRUGV UHTXHVWV ,Q 0DUFK DQG 2FWREHU RI 6($1& made public records requests following a slew of media WKDW UDLVHG ÂłSD\ WR SOD\´ TXHVWLRQV UHJDUGLQJ WKH VWDWH pension fund. Numerous articles in local and national media questioned whether Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment practices could have been politically motivated. He was the sole trustee of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s then $75 billion pension fund.

SEANC is supported in its appeal by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) and WKH 1RUWK &DUROLQD 3UHVV $VVRFLDWLRQ 1&3$ ZKRVH members make public records requests similar to 6($1&ÂśV ZLWK D )ULHQG RI WKH &RXUW EULHI ,Q WKHLU EULHI 1&3$ DQG 1&$% DUJXH WKDW LI OLPLWHG E\ WKH W\SH RI SXEOLF UHFRUGV UHTXHVWV WKH\ DUH DEOH WR PDNH ÂłLQFOXGLQJ GLVFORVXUHV RI GRFXPHQWV UHSRUWHUV EHOLHYH H[LVW EXW FDQQRW OLVW E\ QDPH DW WKH SOHDGLQJ VWDJH WKH publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge of its government will suffer.â&#x20AC;? Âł7KLV DSSHDO LV LPSRUWDQW EHFDXVH WKH UHFRUGV sought will help SEANC determine if investment decisions were possibly based on politics rather than WKH EHVW LQWHUHVW RI UHWLUHPHQW V\VWHP PHPEHUV ´ VDLG SEANC General Counsel Tom Harris.

1R PDWWHU WKH RXWFRPH RI WKLV FDVH LWÂśV FOHDU WKDW 1RUWK &DUROLQD QHHGV WR HQG WKH VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ V\VWHP ZKHUH one person makes all the investment decisions. Less than D KDQGIXO RI VWDWHV VWLOO XVH D VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ WR RYHUVHH their pension funds. SEANC has been the leading voice WR PRYH 1RUWK &DUROLQD IURP D VROH ÂżGXFLDU\ V\VWHP WR RQH ZKHUH D ERDUG PDNHV LQYHVWPHQW GHFLVLRQV 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 FRQWLQXHV WR EH D ZDWFKGRJ IRU \RXU UHWLUHPHQW EHQHÂżWV Previously the North Carolina Court of Appeals UXOHG DJDLQVW 6($1& LQ D GHFLVLRQ LQ 1RYHPEHU saying those requesting public records should list the documents by name. The decision was perplexing to SEANC attorneys who prepared documents asking IRU VSHFLÂżF GRFXPHQWV WKDW WKH DVVRFLDWLRQ KDG \HW WR UHFHLYH $V D UHVXOW 6($1&ÂśV %RDUG RI *RYHUQRUV voted to appeal that ruling during its November meeting.

BY JIMMY DAVIS, DISTRICT 4 CHAIRMAN

Stop Talking, Start Acting: See you at Lobby Day June 8

BY

MARY ADELAIDE BELL

Public Records Suit Heads to Supreme Court

P UBLICATION OF THE S TATE E MPLOYEES A SSOCIATION OF N ORTH C AROLINA s M AY 2010 s V OL . 28 N O . 3 s C IRCULATION 55,000

State Employees Association of North Carolina P.O. Drawer 27727 Raleigh, NC 27611

THE

Raleigh, NC

PAID Periodical Postage