Scoop December 2011

State Employees Association of North Carolina The SEANC Scoop December 2, 2011 State Government Revenues Have $115 Million Surplus

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A story on WRAL reported this week that North Carolina’s revenue collections are ahead of predictions through the end of October – the first quarter of the state fiscal calendar. This is according to a top economist with the N.C. General Assembly. That’s great news for state government; now let’s hope this trend continues!

SEANC Discusses SPA Rights at East Carolina University

SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins and Member Action Director Lynn Cote attended an East Carolina University employee forum on Friday, Nov. 18 to discuss the importance of university employees maintaining their SPA rights. Pictured with Ardis Watkins, center, is District 64 member Sharon Sharpe, left, and District 65 member Bill Dawson, right. Last year in the N.C. General Assembly SB 575 was introduced to propose removing university employees’ workplace rights. If you would like a legislative briefing at your workplace, contact Lynn Cote at lcote@seanc.org.

Legislator Joins SEANC

SEANC is pleased to welcome Sen. Pete Brunstetter of Winston-Salem as the newest member of District 16! Sen. Brunstetter, seated, was recruited by Piedmont Region Member Action Coordinator Steve Lawson, standing.

SEANC Members Recognized with Governor’s Award

Congratulations to two SEANC members who were recognized this week by the Office of State Personnel for their hard work and dedication to serving North Carolina. On Tuesday, District 56 member and Employment Security Commission employee Tyrone Williams, left, and District 42 member and Department of Environment & Natural Resources employee Lewis Ledford, right, were recognized as winners of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence. This award is the highest honor a state employee may receive.

Looking for an Early Holiday Gift?

SEANC is excited about a special new partnership with the Carolina Panthers! Members can purchase tickets for only $32, choosing between two home games – Dec. 11 versus the Atlanta Falcons or Dec. 24 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Purchase tickets securely using the offer code BELONG2011, then create an account and follow the online directions.

Tickets will be emailed directly to you for home printing. Availability is limited to eight tickets per account, so take advantage today!

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Legislative Update Benefits Bulletin Member Discounts SEANC in the News SEANC Insurance Update Your Contact Info Calendar of Events www.seanc.org 800-222-2758

State Employees Association of North Carolina The SEANC Scoop December 9, 2011 Retiree Council Discusses State Health Plan, COLA SEANC’s Retiree Council met on Thursday to discuss several issues, including the Jan. 1 transition of authority over the State Health Plan to the State Treasurer’s office, as well as proposed Medicare changes. The council also discussed options under consideration by the North Carolina Retirement System’s Board of Trustees for dealing with a lower-thanprojected annual required contribution, and recommended the surplus $63 million be used for a cost of living adjustment.

Click here to read the December Reporter!

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Sign Up for Member Strength T.E.A.M! Training The time is now to get more involved with SEANC! Join us for an exciting Member Strength T.E.A.M! training opportunity Feb. 1-3 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord. This training will prepare you for the 2012 legislative session and election season while also showing you how to grow EMPAC, engage members, build better teamwork and develop leadership.

The registration fee is $100 per person, based on double occupancy. Space is limited so register online today!

Follow “Take Pride in Carolina” on Facebook, Twitter “Take Pride in Carolina” continues its fight to urge North Carolina’s leaders to create policies that reflect the values that make our state great! Stay informed on the campaign through daily posts on Facebook and updates on Twitter.

Member Discount Start your holiday shopping now at Purchasing Power and get free shipping on your total order through December 15. Just use promo code FREEHOLIDAY. Check out the special offers on tablets, video games, house wares, and other hot items on your holiday list. It's easy to stay within your holiday budget when you get free shipping and use 12 months of payroll deduction. Don't miss the new children's electronics section, featuring some of the season's hottest toys.

SEANC Hot Spots: Legislative Update Benefits Bulletin Member Discounts SEANC in the News SEANC Insurance Update Your Contact Info Calendar of Events www.seanc.org 800-222-2758

State Employees Association of North Carolina The SEANC Scoop December 16, 2011 SEANC Board of Governors visits the governor’s mansion SEANC’s Board of Governors visited the governor’s mansion on Wednesday afternoon to tour the home’s holiday decorations and enjoy cookies and cider with Gov. Beverly Perdue. To see more photos from the trip, visit and “like” SEANC’s Facebook page.

Click here to read the December Reporter!

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SEANC speaks to state nurses in Apex SEANC Director of Legislative Affairs Ardis Watkins and Member Action Coordinator James Vaughan traveled to Apex Tuesday to meet with regional nurse managers in the Department of Correction, who voiced concerns over privatization of their services. Watkins and Vaughan spoke on SEANC’s victories over efforts to privatize prison services in the last legislative session, as well as grassroots lobbying efforts already under way. If you would like a legislative briefing at your worksite, contact Lynn Cote.

State Treasurer listening tour State Treasurer Janet Cowell announced that she plans to tour the state in coming months to speak with workers on upcoming changes to the State Health Plan (SHP), particularly the transfer of oversight of the program to the SHP board from the General Assembly. Cowell told the SEANC Board of Governors in October that she will serve on the SHP board, but will only vote in instances of a tie. Cowell’s tour will include stops in Raleigh, Jamestown, Wilmington, Lenoir, Winterville and Charlotte. For dates, times and locations, visit the Latest News section of SEANC’s website.

Member Discount Traveling over the holidays? Then stay at a Choice Hotel! SEANC members receive a 20 percent discount at Choice Hotels' locations across the country. Choice Hotels include Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites and Sleep Inn. See more details here.

SEANC Hot Spots: Benefits Bulletin Member Discounts SEANC in the News SEANC Insurance Update Your Contact Info Calendar of Events www.seanc.org 800-222-2758

State Employees Association of North Carolina The SEANC Scoop December 23, 2011 SEANC brings news from the legislature to DOT lunch SEANC Lobbyist Mitch Leonard and Member Action Coordinators Sophie Brauns and Michelle Thrower visited the DOT’s holiday luncheon on Tuesday to update employees on SEANC’s ongoing efforts to protect their jobs and benefits. Brauns is pictured at left with retired DOT employee and longtime SEANC member Red McNeil of District 37. If you would like a legislative briefing at your worksite, contact Lynn Cote.

The SEANC Scoop will return on Jan. 6, 2012 Click here to read the December Reporter!

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Scholarship season is here Applications for SEANC’s annual scholarships are now available for download. The scholarships are open to active and associate members, their spouses and dependent children and are awarded based on both financial need and merit. Applications must be returned to your scholarship contact by April 15. For more information, contact Renee Vaughan.

There's no place like home for the holidays SEANC’s Central Office in Raleigh will be closed on Dec. 23, 26 and 27 for the holidays. The office will reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 28. SEANC wishes you and your family happy holidays and safe travels.

Member Discount Does your car need an oil change or tire rotation?

Save 15 percent on services (excluding state inspections) at more than 48 Jiffy Lube locations across the state. More details and locations are available on SEANC's website.

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SEANC Hot Spots: Benefits Bulletin Member Discounts SEANC in the News SEANC Insurance Update Your Contact Info Calendar of Events www.seanc.org 800-222-2758