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The SEANC Scoop STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA IMPORTANT LINKS
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March 7, 2014
Budget Director Calls Pay Raises a Priority Sends UNC System Back to Drawing Board
SEANC in the News Update Contact Info Calendar of Events The Reporter
Gov. Pat McCrory’s Budget Director Art Pope told UNC System officials to “try again” this week with their budget proposal. The system requested more than $288 million in additional funding this year, an 11.3 percent increase, despite Pope’s request that no department expand more than 2 percent. What’s more, the request included more than $163 million in building repair and renovations, when the entire state government’s renovation fund is just $150 million. The proposal didn’t include raises for UNC system employees and would more than likely take up all the funding needed to give all state employees and retirees 3-percent raises this year.
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As Pope said in his memo, “The limited increase in revenue and availability must first be applied to mandatory obligations, such as the growth in Medicaid, and overall priorities, including a pay raise for teachers and state employees.” SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope commended Pope's willingness to stand up to the UNC system, pointing out on Twitter, "they want more (buildings) but no pay raise for low wage SPA employees." The News & Observer also said Pope was right to question the proposal. We are thankful that he has made much needed pay increases a priority in the upcoming budget process.