Scoop May 2011

State Employees Association of North Carolina The SEANC Scoop May 6, 2011

Legislative Update Senate Bill 575, the bill that would strip State Personnel Act protections from university employees, was pulled from the calendar the day before it was to be heard in committee, thanks to SEANC members who contacted their legislators and Senate leadership for their responsiveness to these concerns. For more on what happened in the legislature this week, including a DOC personnel records bill and the budget, read this week's Legislative Update.

"Take Pride in Carolina" mobile sign up: Text TPIC to 68753 SEANC Warriors: Meet at the General Assembly lobby at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 9. Contact Tony Booe at tbooe@seanc.org.

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SEANC Wraps Up Hometown Rallies Last Saturday, SEANC completed its statewide "Take Pride in Carolina" Hometown Rally tour in Raleigh with a simple message: state employees asked lawmakers to pass a common sense budget that supports working families and protects middle class jobs. For more, read SEANC’s Latest News.

District Annual Meetings Do you know when your district’s annual meeting is or why it’s important? Check out the SEANC Calendar of Events and make plans to attend!

Learn about workplace and retirement issues affecting you and your family and help elect district officers and convention delegates. The process of updating SEANC’s policy platform and considering bylaws amendments begins each summer at annual meetings.

Member Discount We know you haven’t forgotten Mother’s Day, but have you ordered flowers yet for the special moms in your life? From You Flowers offers a 25 percent discount to PerksCard holders by entering code 720 at checkout. Order today or early Saturday to ensure delivery before Mother’s Day!

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 May 13, 2011

Legislative Update The State Health Plan reform bill is on the governor’s desk. The Senate is now working on its version of the budget. The main difference between the House and Senate budgets so far has been the Senate’s indication that it will extend cuts to K-12 education while restoring some of the cuts made to the UNC System. For more, read this week's Legislative Update.

"Take Pride in Carolina" mobile sign up: Text TPIC to 68753

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SEANC in the News Watch News 14 Carolina’s Political Connections this weekend to see SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope’s reaction to the House budget. Cope’s interview will air at 6 p.m. tonight, Friday, May 13. To read a teaser on the interview, visit the Political Connections blog.

Want the 80/20 Plan? Action Required!

Annual enrollment for the State Health Plan is from May 9-June 8. ALL State Health Plan members will be moved to the 70/30 Basic plan on July 1, unless you designate otherwise. If you’d like to enroll in the 80/20 Standard plan, you MUST TAKE ACTION by June 8. For more details, including who can enroll in the 80/20 Standard plan and enrollment materials, visit the State Health Plan’s website or call 1888-234-2416.

Board of Governors Meets SEANC’s Board of Governors is meeting today and tomorrow in Raleigh. We will post pictures and meeting highlights as they happen on Facebook, and the Spotlight will be available on the SEANC website by Tuesday afternoon. Head to your next district meeting to hear what issues were discussed from your district chairperson!

Member Discount Are you in the market for a new computer, home appliance or other type of electronic device? If so, don’t forget to check out Purchasing Power! The program is offered to qualified SEANC members as a great member benefit! With Purchasing Power, you can buy new electronics and pay via payroll or pension deduction!

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 May 20, 2011

SHP Reform Briefings Available Interested in a briefing on the new State Health Plan reform changes and how these changes affect you? Then have a SEANC representative come talk to your workplace. Contact Director of Member Action Lynn Cote at 800-222-2758 to schedule a meeting.

People in Politics

"Take Pride in Carolina" mobile sign up: Text TPIC to 68753 SEANC Warriors: Meet at the General Assembly lobby at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 23. Contact Tony Booe at tbooe@seanc.org.

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SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope and Civitas Institute President Francis DeLuca discuss how state employees are faring in budget negotiations, the retirement system and the State Health Plan with Donna Martinez of People in Politics. To hear the show, tune in at 11 p.m. on Saturday night to 600 AM WSJS in the Triad or listen at 5 p.m. on Sunday to 680 AM WPTF in the Triangle.

Award Nominations Do you know of an outstanding member or district? The state Awards Committee wants your nominations for the following categories: Member of the Year, Distinguished Service, District of the Year and District Chairperson of the Year.

Nominations are due by July 23 to Event/Marketing Manager Amber Ernst. Awards are given out each year at convention.

Member Discount Are you traveling for Memorial Day weekend?

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: 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 May 27, 2011

Legislative Update The Senate Appropriations Committee moved their budget, and Senate Dems Garrou, Mansfield, Nesbitt and Blue tried (and failed) to snatch SEANC’s dues deduction ability. For more, read this week’s Legislative Update.

"Take Pride in Carolina" mobile sign up: Text TPIC to 68753

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SEANC in the News SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope welcomed news of $328 million for merit raises in the Senate’s budget in Tuesday’s News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer. Now if only legislators could find a way to eliminate politics and favoritism from the system. The performance pay is recommended for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Member Discount The summer heat is definitely here – just in time for Myrtle Waves and Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe to open! Myrtle Waves is open and Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe opens Saturday. Stop by a State Employees Credit Union branch or send this form to the SEANC office to buy your discounted tickets today!

Memorial Day The SEANC Central Office will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, to honor our fallen military heroes. We commemorate those U.S. men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

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