Scoop December 2013

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The SEANC Scoop STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA IMPORTANT LINKS

December 6, 2013

Member-Only Discounts SEANC Insurance SEANC in the News Update Contact Info Calendar of Events The Reporter

SEANC on Treasurer Janet Cowell's Poor Investment Performance and Pursuing a Risky Investment Strategy State Treasurer Janet Cowell tried to spin her poor investment performance as a positive in order to justify her legislative agenda to move more of state employees' retirement funds into risky alternative investments. Cowell's investment strategy only achieved 4.89 percent in gains for the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2013. In a press release, Cowell tried to disguise her poor performance results with another call "to continuing to diversify the portfolio to keep it growing for the families across our state who depend on it." In today's News and Observer SEANC's Legislative Director Ardis Watkins said “It is ironic that Treasurer Cowell is using these dismal results showing underperforming alternatives as her rationale for wanting to throw more money down that rabbit hole.”

Insurance Cards May Have Errors State Treasurer Janet Cowell’s State Health Plan insurance card errors could cost you big money! Please look to see that the plan you selected is the one that is on your ID card. For active state employees the choices are an 80/20 PPO or a 70/30 PPO. For retirees the choices are a Medicare Advantage Plan or a 70/30 PPO. SEANC has been contacted by members who have noticed that their State Health Plan insurance selection is wrong on their new insurance cards. Take a moment to read your card and verify that the selection you made is the one on your card because if your selection

is wrong, then the deduction from your paycheck could be wrong too!

If you have an error on your health plan card, fix it by contacting 855859-0966.

SEIU Now Accepting Scholarship Applications SEANC members and dependents who would like to continue their education are encouraged to apply for a scholarship through Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Applications are being accepted now through March 3 and can be filled out online here. Last year, four scholarships were awarded to the daughters and sons of SEANC members. More than 50 scholarships will be awarded. SEANC hopes anyone who has been a member for three years will consider this opportunity for their family.

SEANC Store Feature of the Month Bundle up for the winter with SEANC gear!

Only 10 scarfs left at $5 each! Need to keep your head warm during the chilly temperatures? Grab a SEANC hat for only $4! Contact Alicia Miller at 919-833-6436 or amiller@seanc.org to your order.

SEANC Welcomes 65 New Members Congrats to the 65 new members who recently chose to empower themselves and the public services they provide this week by joining SEANC! Welcome new members from the departments of Health and Human Services, Public Safety, Commerce, Administration and Environment and Natural Resources, Appalachian State University,

Central Piedmont Community College, Durham Technical College, East Carolina University, Alamance County Schools, Harnett County Schools, Wake County Schools, UNC Hospitals, UNC-Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem State University, UNC-Wilmington and retirees.

Contact Lynn Cote for more information on hosting an event at your worksite.

Save on Your Trip to Dollywood Taking a trip to the mountains soon?

Let your SEANC membership save you money at one of the top attractions in the high country. SEANC members save $9 per regular ticket and $8 per child’s ticket on Dollywood tickets. Tickets are valid any operating day through January 4, 2014. Click here for ordering information.

State Employees Association of North Carolina 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609 800-222-2758 | seanc.org

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The SEANC Scoop STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA IMPORTANT LINKS

December 13, 2013

Member-Only Discounts SEANC Insurance SEANC in the News Update Contact Info Calendar of Events The Reporter

SEANC's Harris Speaks Out on Employee Rights SEANC General Counsel Tom Harris appeared before the State Human Resources Commission to express the association's concerns with implementation of changes to the State Human Resources Act (formerly the State Personnel Act), particularly as it pertains to workplace harassment.

Such changes, he told the commission, "would greatly curtail the State's efforts to prevent this most objectionable form of discrimination, which is not in the best interests of the employees or the State." SEANC will hold forums on the State Human Resources Act and what it means to state employees in January and February throughout the state. Click here for more information on attending a forum near you. View SEANC comments to the Human Resources Commission here.

No Quick Fix for Medicaid State employee salaries could see increases with an improved Medicaid system, with gradual changes fully implemented in 2020 according to presenters at the McCrory administration's Medicaid Reform Advisory Group last week.

For each 1 percent savings in Medicaid, there is almost 1 percent availability for salary increases. At the meeting, Sen. Louis Pate discussed Medicaid savings in terms of teacher and state employee salary increases with Rep. Nelson Dollar in agreement and adding that they should look to make the current plan better rather than a full overhaul.

SEANC Store Feature of the Month The SEANC scarfs sold out fast last week! Be sure to get this week’s deal, a SEANC hat for only $4, before they’re gone!

Contact Alicia Miller at amiller@seanc.org to your order.

Have you moved? We need to Know!

We want to ensure that we have your correct address and that you are receiving all of the benefits that come with your SEANC membership. If you have moved in the past year and haven't notified the SEANC Central Office now is the perfect time, please send your updated address to Kacee Gore.

SEANC Welcomes 90 New Members Congrats to the 90 new members who recently chose to empower themselves and the public services they provide this week by joining SEANC! Welcome new members from the departments of Administration, Commerce, Environment and Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, Public Safety, Revenue and Transportation, Chapel Hill Schools, Carrboro City Schools, Durham County Schools, Guilford County Schools, James Sprunt Technical College, Central Carolina Community College, Johnston County Schools, Office of the Courts, UNC-Chapel Hill, Wake County Schools, Wayne Community College, Wayne County Schools, East Carolina University, Employment Security Commission, Winston-Salem State University and retirees. Contact Lynn Cote for more information on hosting an event at your worksite.

Plan a Weekend Getaway to Biltmore Planning a weekend getaway to the Biltmore?

Use your SEANC membership to save some cash! SEANC members receive discounts to Asheville’s historic mansion by purchasing tickets in advance using this website. Also this year, members can enjoy a discount to the popular Candlelight Christmas Evenings at the house through the holiday season.

State Employees Association of North Carolina 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609 800-222-2758 | seanc.org

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The SEANC Scoop STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA IMPORTANT LINKS

December 20, 2013

Member-Only Discounts SEANC Insurance SEANC in the News Update Contact Info Calendar of Events The Reporter

SEANC Sets the Record Straight on Underperforming Retirement System SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins wrote a column that appeared in Wednesday’s News & Observer to set the record straight on the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System's performance in recent years. The column responded to a press release issued last week from the State Treasurer that proclaimed the fund is “solid” and has “successfully navigated the market turbulence of the past few years.” Watkins pointed out that monthly contributions from employees and full funding from the legislature are the real reason the fund is in good standing, not any windfall from the Treasurer’s investments, which have actually performed well below the national average for state retirement systems. “Being well-funded because of the hard work and sacrifice of others is nothing about which the retirement system should crow,” Watkins wrote.

Happy Holidays!

SEANC Scholarship Applications Now Online!

SEANC's Central Office will be closed Tuesday through Friday of next week.

The SEANC Scoop returns on Jan. 3.

One of the outstanding benefits of membership with SEANC is its scholarship program. Active and associate members, their spouses and their dependent children are eligible to apply for scholarships to attend technical schools, community colleges, trade schools, junior colleges and four-year universities or colleges. For more information and to download applications go to the SEANC website. Applications must be received by the District Scholarship Chairperson postmarked no later than April 15.

New membership cards in the mail!

By now some of you have received your new SEANC membership card in the mail. All members will receive a new card in coming weeks that includes important phone numbers and other information pertaining to your SEANC membership. Use this card for discounts all around the state. The cards include extra zeroes in front of your membership ID number that could cause confusion when logging into SEANC’s website or signing up for an insurance program. Please only enter the ID beginning with the first non-zero number (leaving off the extras). If you have yet to receive a new card, hold tight.

Your card will be in your mailbox within the next few weeks if you are a member in good standing and have a current address on file with us. If you have moved in the past year and haven't notified the SEANC Central Office now is the perfect time, please send your updated address to Kacee Gore.

Member Discount: PerksConnect Mobile Still got a few items left on the shopping list? Let SEANC’s partnership with PerksConnect help you get the best deals in town this year. Download the PerksConnect App specifically designed for SEANC members and find all the discounts around you, no matter where you are in North Carolina and beyond.

The app is available for both Apple and Android devices.

SEANC Welcomes 88 New Members Congrats to the 88 new members who recently chose to empower themselves and the public services they provide this week by joining SEANC! Welcome new members from the departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, Public Safety and Transportation, East Carolina University, Fayetteville State University, Pitt Community College, Office of the State Treasurer, Wake County Schools, UNC-Chapel Hill, the Administrative Office of the Courts and UNC Hospitals. Contact Lynn Cote for more information on hosting an event at your worksite.