THE
State Employees Association of North Carolina, SEIU Local 2008 P.O. Drawer 27727, Raleigh, NC • www.seanc.org 800-222-2758 • 919-833-6436 • Circulation 55,000
May 2013
• Vol. 31, Issue 6
McCrory Releases First State Budget Proposal Pay raises, jobs and prison closures to be debated in General Assembly by
Toni Davis
SEANC Director of Communications
On March 20, Gov. Pat McCrory released his first budget, a $20.6 billion document, which contained a 1-percent pay raise and a 1-percent retiree cost-of-living adjustment. Overall, SEANC is optimistic that as the state economy continues to improve, legislative leaders will recognize the need to fund public services. “My fellow SEANC members, please remember the governor’s budget is the first step in the budget process and that nothing is final,” President Sidney M. Sandy said of the budget. “We are working tirelessly with lawmakers to maintain vital pubic functions performed by our members.” Jobs and Pay The greatest concern in McCrory’s budget for SEANC members is the plan to shutter five prisons — Wayne, Duplin, Bladen, Robeson and Western Youth Institution. In response, SEANC continues to meet with lawmakers and Department of Public Safety officials to plead our case and ensure that our neighborhoods and citizens are kept safe. On the brighter side, the budget also contained hundreds of new positions in the Department of Public Safety, including new probation and parole officer, post-release supervision and drug court positions to monitor felons
after they leave state prison. There are also new positions proposed to re-establish the state’s drug courts. This budget marks the second in a row that state employees are poised to receive a modest raise. In addition to a 1-percent pay increase for all state employees, the governor’s budget contains provisions to maintain longevity pay and $20 million for a salary adjustment reserve. The Budget Process The governor’s budget begins the annual process of funding state government. After reviewing McCrory’s budget, the N.C. House and the N.C. Senate will draft and vote on their individual budgets, negotiate a final budget and vote on a compromise budget. The General Assembly’s budget is then presented to the governor for his signature. The goal of the legislature is to have a new budget passed prior to July 1, 2013, when the new state fiscal year begins. This year the state Senate has its turn to craft the budget first. Your Role SEANC is continuing an ongoing dialogue and working with North Carolina’s General Assembly leaders as the budget process continues to unfold. If you want to express your opinion on the state budget to lawmakers, call the General Assembly at 919-733-4111.
tdavis@seanc.org
What’s in Gov. McCrory’s First Budget Proposal? Pay • Provides a 1% pay raise for state employees • Maintains longevity pay • Proposes $20 million for the salary adjustment reserve
Public Safety • Closes Wayne, Duplin, Bladen, Robeson and Western prisons that employ 685 people • Provides funding for more than 300 new jobs,
primarily in probation and parole • Reinstates drug courts and adds 45 new jobs
Health Care • Contributes $45 million for FY 2013-14 and $136.2 million in 2014-15 to the State Health Plan
Retirement • Provides a 1% cost-of-living increase for retirees • Funds $36 million for the retirement system