September 2017 • Vol. 35, Issue 6
THE
REPORTER
State Employees Association of North Carolina
East Carolina University and Vidant Health executed a formal agreement in late July to integrate ECU Physicians Group and Vidant Medical Group, completing a merger that gives away state assets and jeopardizes the future and stability of 1,200 state employees. This deal essentially gives Vidant a monopoly over health services in Eastern North Carolina. It will dramatically weaken competition in a community that relies upon affordable and accessible healthcare. Throughout this process, the state employees at ECU Physicians were promised that they would have an opportunity to collaborate and offer input on merger discussions. Instead, this deal was made behind closed doors, intentionally designed to silence the voices of the people who would be impacted the most.
SARA COWELL COBURN
ECU, Vidant execute formal agreement to merge
SEANC has been actively pursuing legal avenues to best advocate on behalf of the 1,200 affected state employees. Know that our fight doesn’t stop here. We will continue to challenge any agreement that hands the hard-earned money of taxpayers over to private interests without legislative
approval and public input. Your involvement is more critical now than ever. Please call and email your legislators and ask them to publicly oppose this merger. Urge them to stand up and protect state employees, taxpayers and accessible healthcare.
BCBSNC, Mission Health dispute puts western members at risk Members in the west are facing increased health care costs because of an ongoing contract dispute between Mission Health System, which operates six hospitals and other facilities in the Asheville area, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC), the state’s largest insurance provider. BCBSNC administers the State Health Plan, so all state employees and retirees it covers will be affected by the dispute.
In This Issue 2 3 4-5 8
Public Policy Annual Convention Scholarship Awards/Bowl-a-thon State Health Plan
After six months of negotiation, Mission officials informed BCBSNC this week that it will leave the network effective Oct. 5, becoming the only system in North Carolina outside of the State Health Plan’s network. This means that plan members will be charged out-ofnetwork rates should they need care at a Mission facility. BCBSNC will continue to provide emergency care at in-network rates. Representatives from BCBSNC laid out the details of an ongoing dispute with Mission Health in a presentation for the SEANC Board of Governors on Friday, July 21. The BCBSNC officials contend that Mission Health is already overcharging them for services, and
plan to raise prices even more. That cost is passed on to all BCBSNC customers, including members of the State Health Plan. Members from the west voiced strong concerns about this dispute at the board meeting. Second Vice President Jimmy Davis told the BCBSNC representatives that Mission Hospital had saved his life during a recent health scare. Western Region Representative Cliff Johnson and others echoed similar sentiments. They encouraged BCBSNC to settle this dispute quickly, or the plan members will suffer in the end. SEANC and the State Treasurer’s Office continue to monitor the situation, and will provide information as it becomes available.
PUBLIC POLICY 2017 Legislative Results Secured pay increase, longevity pay saved • $1,000 across the board pay raise for all state employees. This equates to around a 2.5-percent increase for the average state employee, and higher for lower paid employees. • Three days of bonus leave that can be used at any time, but cannot be paid out at retirement. • Secured step pay increases. • Retained longevity pay. A true cost-of-living adjustment for retirees • A 1-percent true COLA that will increase pension checks for years to come, rather than a bonus that would only have a one-year impact. Exposed privatization efforts at DOT • Brought to light attempted mass privatization in the Department of Transportation and stopped any new attempts to cut jobs and privatize more of that department. STANDING UP FOR CERTIFIED CORRECTIONAL PERSONNEL
• The tragic death of Sgt. Meggan Callahan, a SEANC member and correctional officer at Bertie Correctional Institution, in late April brought to light the immense dangers that state employees face each day at our prisons due to understaffing, low pay and poor training. • SEANC convinced legislators to pass a formal resolution honoring Sgt. Callahan in both the Senate and the House. • Coordinated tours of prisons so legislators could get a firsthand view of officers' working conditions. • SEANC continues to push legislators to recognize correctional officers as law enforcement and afford them the same rights and benefits as other officers. • SEANC lobbied successfully for a legislative study of correctional officer benefits.
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THE REPORTER • September 2017
Results by the • House bills reviewed by SEANC: 924 Numbers • Senate bills reviewed by SEANC: 689 • Committee meetings covered: 564 Ensured retirement security, funding • Full funding of the retirement system for the seventh year in a row, with an increase in legislative (employer) contribution to 10.78 percent to the Retirement System. • Ensured continuation of the defined benefit retirement plan for current and future state retirees despite an attempt by Senate leaders to move new hires to a 401k system. • The state is on track to cut more than $100 million in investment fees paid by the retirement system this year thanks to SEANC shining a light on this issue. Fought back attempt to take away your right to have SEANC dues and other payments deducted from paychecks • A bill that would have taken away an employee's right to have dues, insurance premiums and PAC donations deducted from their pay checks, passed the Senate, but SEANC was able to hold off attempts to pass it in the House. Increased funding for the State Health Plan • Worked with State Treasurer Dale Folwell on State Health Plan reforms resulting in a commitment from the treasurer to hold premiums at current rate with no increases for the next four years. • SEANC worked with legislators to secure a 4-percent increase in funding for the plan. Maintained worker rights and protections • Worked with legislators and monitored bills to ensure that the rights and protections afforded to state employees in the State Human Resources Act remained intact. The Reporter, USPS 009-852 (ISSN 1069 2142), is published six times a year in the months of November, February, April, May, July and September for $2.50 per year, per member, by the State Employees Association of North Carolina, Inc., 1621 Midtown Place, Raleigh, N.C. 27609. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh and additional offices. POSTMASTER, Please send address changes to: THE REPORTER ● 1621 Midtown Place ● Raleigh, NC 27609
34TH ANNUAL SEANC CONVENTION Candidates for SEANC statewide office announced SEANC leadership for 2017-2018 will be determined by approximately 820 delegates at the 34th Annual SEANC Convention on Sept. 8. SEANC Bylaws require members to announce their candidacy in writing or in person to the Board of Governors no later than 45 days prior to the convention or nominations can be submitted from the convention floor. Statewide officer terms are for one year and begin Oct. 1, 2017, and run through Sept. 30, 2018. Officers may hold the same office for two consecutive years. EMPAC Chairman Tony Smith is not up for re-election, since he has one year left on his term.
PRESIDENT Stanley Drewery of District 67 retired with 30 years of state service with both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety and received the Order of Long Drewery Leaf Pine award. He has been a member of SEANC for 35 years. Drewery currently serves as President. He is a veteran and served seven years in the Army National Guard. He is a Grifton resident.
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Jimmy Davis of District 4 is a 28.5-year state employee and 28-year SEANC member. He is the current Second Vice President. Davis is a Probation/Parole officer for the Department of Public Safety. He is a Forest City resident.
Davis
Take the
LEAP LEAD. ENGAGE. ACT. PARTICIPATE...
SEANC would like to thank the following Convention exhibitors:
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Darius McLaurin is currently the First Vice President. He has been a SEANC member for 12 years and has worked for the state for 24 years. McLaurin currently is the Chief Business Officer at McLaurin The Governor Morehead School in the Department of Public Instruction. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Johnson C. Smith University. He is a Raleigh resident.
GENERAL TREASURER Chevella Thomas of District 27 retired with 33 years of state service with N.C. Central University's Division of Administration and Finance and is a 32-year SEANC member. Thomas is the Thomas current General Treasurer. She holds bachelors' degrees in accounting and management and a master's degree in information sciences. She is a Durham resident.
CASH RAFFLE!
Platinum Exhibitors
• Augeo/Perksconnect • Doug Sutton and Associates, Inc. (President’s Reception/Lanyard Sponsor)
GRAND PRIZE $6,000
Gold Exhibitors
• BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina (Thursday and Friday PM Snack Sponsor) • Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company (Convention Tote Sponsor) • Carowinds/Kings Dominion
FIRST PRIZE $3,000
Silver Exhibitors • • • • • • • • • • •
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Colonial Life Liberty Mutual Insurance NC State Employees’ Credit Union Purchasing Power Southeastern Senior Strategies, LLC Spectera Vision The Sutherland Benefit Group Travelers Auto and Home Insurance UnitedHealthcare Dental Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe
SECOND PRIZE $1,000
Tickets $1 State Employees Association of North Carolina
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Thanks to your generosity, last year SEANC awarded 48 scholarships totaling $39,500!
THE REPORTER • September 2017
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SEANC ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The SEANC Scholarship Foundation and SEANC districts across the state announced they are awarding more than $100,000 in awards; $39,500 of that is being given out by the statewide SEANC Scholarship Foundation to 48 well-deserving students. The five categories of statewide scholarships include:
Four-year financial — a $1,000 scholarship to attend a four-year college or university. Four-year merit — a $1,000 merit scholarship to attend a four-year college or university. Two-year financial — a $500 scholarship to attend a community college, technical school or trade school. Two-year merit — a $500 merit scholarship to attend a community college, technical school or trade school. Member only — a $500 scholarship awarded to SEANC members.
Four-Year Financial ($1,000)
Kylie Hamilton Bakersville
Hannah Green Casar
Kaleigh Kemp Lansing
Lees-McRae College Daughter of District 3 member Jodie Rhymer Mitchell County Dept. of Social Services
Gardner-Webb University Daughter of District 4 member James Green Dept. of Transportation
East Tennessee State University Daughter of District 8 member Kim Eldreth Dept. of Transportation
Hayley Merrell Hall Bladenboro
Imani Hope Stephen Hillsborough
Mia Marshall Durham
UNC-Chapel Hill Daughter of District 24 member Sherry Hall Retired
Bennett College Daughter of District 25 member Beverly Hester-Stephens Orange County Schools
Winston-Salem State University Daughter of District 27 member Tammie Marshall N. C. Central University
Azjah Destanee-Toni Alyssa Westberry Mole Winston-Salem Gastonia Western Carolina University
Mikaela Reese Olmstead Cameron
N.C. Central University Daughter of District 9 member Tamika Jones Dept. of Public Safety
Daughter of District 16 member Wanda Little Winston-Salem State University
High Point University Daughter of District 20 member Sandra Olmsted Central Carolina Comm. College
Eseosa Evbuomwan Sanford
Ashley Graham Whitakers
Elondia Grant Goldsboro
UNC-Chapel Hill Daughter of District 42 member Peter Evbuomwan Dept. of Commerce
Meredith College Daughter of District 57 member Kela Graham Dept. of Insurance
Jeaven Curry Durham
Cedierdra' Sydnor Fayetteville
Winston-Salem State University Son of District 27 member Lillian McNeill Durham Public Schools
Fayetteville State University Daughter of District 22 member Felicia Chiambiro SEANC
Kayla Kozup Greenville
KaShaun Outlaw Edenton
Campbell University Daughter of District 60 member Patricia Grant Retired
UNC-Wilmington Daughter of District 65 member Sherri Kozup East Carolina University
N.C. A&T State University Son of District 69 member LaToya Outlaw Dept. of Commerce
Robert Allan Shore Charlotte
Carson Key Reidsville
Matthew Parker Carthage
Four-Year Merit ($1,000)
Tessa McClain Davis Jackson UNC-Chapel Hill Daughter of District 1 member Jeffrey Davis Western Carolina University
Matthew Jacob Gibson Durham UNC-Chapel Hill Son of District 27 member Tony Gibson N.C. State Highway Patrol
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Lanna Marie McKinney Nebo Lenoir-Rhyne University Daughter of District 5 members Gary & Pearl McKinney Dept. of Public Safety / McDowell County Schools
Alan Wessel Raleigh
N.C. State University Son of District 39 member Chris Cammarene-Wessel N.C. State University
THE REPORTER • September 2017
Railey Pitts Glen Alpine
UNC-Chapel Hill Daughter of District 7 member Susan Pitts Dept. of Health and Human Services
Alexander Spencer West Jefferson
N.C. State University Son of District 8 member Stephanie Spencer Ashe County Schools
Daniel Radford Pikeville
N.C. State University Son of District 58 member Robin Radford Clerk of Courts
Abby Fogarty Gastonia
UNC-Chapel Hill Daughter of District 9 member David Fogarty N.C. Cooperative Extension
Hannah Brantham Goldsboro
UNC-Wilmington Daughter of District 60 member Kim Tyner Brantham Retired
University of Miami Son of District 13 member Rebecca Shore UNC-Charlotte
Kelsey Noelle Waller Maple Hill
UNC-Wilmington Honors College Daughter of District 61 member Kristie Waller Onslow County Schools
N.C. State University Daughter of District 17 member Sandee Key Rockingham Comm. College
Maya Rose Jarrell Greenville UNC-Chapel Hill Daughter of District 64 member Stacy Jarrell Pitt Comm. College
N.C. State University Son of District 20 member Michael D. Parker Retired
Ashley Weingartz Greenville
East Carolina University Daughter of District 65 member Ann Weingartz East Carolina University
SEANC ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Two-Year Merit ($500)
Two-Year Financial ($500)
Amber McCall Valdese
Western Piedmont Comm. College Daughter of District 5 member Thomas McCall Dept. of Public Safety
Danna Loren Huffman Morganton Caldwell Comm. College Daughter of District 7 member Gwyn Wilkes Dept. of Health and Human Services
Tiesha Council Winterville
Pitt Comm. College Daughter of District 17 member Jesse Allen Retired
Chrishauna Barnes Winterville Pitt Comm. College Member of District 65 East Carolina University
Kayla Hardin Marble
Tri-County Comm. College
Frances Ajashi-Nzeribe Raleigh
Daughter of District 1 member Lisa Hardin Tri-County Comm. College
Wake Technical Comm. College Member of District 40 Dept. of Public Safety
Victoria Kosinski Kinston
Jessica Keyser Goldsboro
Lenoir Comm. College Daughter of District 58 member Colleen Kosinski Adm. Office of the Courts
Wayne Comm. College Daughter of District 59 member Tricia Keyser Cherry Hospital
Jan Cox Usher Clinton
Octavius Shelley Winterville
Member-Only ($500)
Robin Hitch Cullowhee
East Carolina University Member of District 1 Western Carolina University
Jerry Dalton Lowman Connelly Springs Lees-McRae College Member of District 6 Dept. of Health and Human Services
Donna Faye Hinson Albmarle
Sarah Sexton Morganton
Wingate University Member of District 10 Stanly Comm. College
Appalachian State University Member of District 7 Dept. of Health and Human Services
SCH
Shauna Burger Gastonia
Jerri Harris Oxford
Taneisha Ingram Thompson Belmont Abbey College Piedmont Comm. College Clinton Member of District 13 Central Piedmont Comm. College
Member of District 21 Dept. of Health and Human Services
Fayetteville State University Member of District 22 Dept. of Public Safety
East Carolina University Member of District 61 Sampson County Schools
Pitt Community College Member of District 64 Dept. of Health and Human Services
ARSHIP BOWL-A-THON
Frame by frame, members raise funds for SEANC scholarships
District 10 Chairman Dennis Hartley, Greg Rhodes, Jamison Rhodes, Matthew Cote, Norris and Caleb Bridges and Jarred Rhodes had the highest singlegame score of the event.
Emerging Leaders Chairwoman Emily Jones heads to the lane for her turn to bowl.
Member Relations Representative Celia Wilson and Scholarship Foundation Board Members Nicole Hunter, Sherry McFeaters and Angela Lyght give District 45 member Harold Cunningham his wrist band to bowl.
District 17 member Isaac Rogers lines up for a strike.
PHOTOS BY AMANDA WISE
The SEANC Scholarship Foundation held its annual Bowl-a-thon on Saturday, July 22, at Buffaloe Lanes North in Raleigh. Thanks to the support of many, this tournament was a great success, netting $5,000 for the Scholarship Foundation! The event featured a silent auction with items donated by SEANC members and local businesses. Special thanks to the Scholarship Foundation Board, our corporate sponsors – Doug Sutton and Associates, Inc., Colonial Life and Liberty Mutual, our lane sponsors Districts 9, 10, 12, 17, 39, 56, 61 and Emerging Leaders Committee, and our team sponsors – Districts 3, 16, 19, 38, 41, 58, 65, SEANC Executive Committee and Mitch Leonard and our many volunteers, and for donations from Wayne Fish of District 2 and District 22.
District 65 member Tammy Heller ponders a bid on a silent auction item.
District 3 Chairman Dr. Pat Reighard enjoys watching fellow SEANC members and their friends and families having fun at the event.
THE REPORTER • September 2017
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THE
REPORTER
Jonathan Owens, Editor-In-Chief Beth Dew, Managing Editor Amanda Wise, Associate Editor Sara Cowell Coburn, Associate Editor SELECT DATES SEPT. 23-OCT. 29
SUPER SAVINGS ON TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL SECU BRANCHES THROUGH SEPT. 30 OR AT SEANC OFFICE THROUGH OCT. 29
Member savings not available at front gate. Purchase through SECU Branch (through 9/30) or SEANC Office (through 10/29). Park and event schedules are subject to change. Please verify park schedule before visiting. Restrictions apply. ©2017 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
State Employees Association of North Carolina 1621 Midtown Place • Raleigh, NC 27609 Telephone 919-833-6436, 800-222-2758 www.seanc.org Advertising Policy SEANC accepts advertising material from companies and persons seeking to communicate with SEANC members. Acceptance of this advertising does not indicate SEANC approval or endorsement of any representation that the message, product or service is as represented by the advertiser. SEANC accepts no responsibility and shall not be liable for any use of or reliance on any such information, product or service. SEANC is a private entity and is under no obligation to carry advertisements of any nature, political or otherwise, that may be viewed as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.
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sign up online & start shopping! www.SEANC.PurchasingPower.com *First time buyers only. All orders are subject to a minimum order amount, which will not exceed $300. Promo valid for 15% off through 9/30/2017 at 11:59pm PST. Offer excludes Apple products, Automotive Services, Flash Sales and Doorbusters. Promo code must be entered at time of checkout for discount to be applied. Only one promo code may be used per order. Promo code cannot be applied to previous purchases or combined with other offers. Offered discount applies to cost of products only, not applicable to warranty upgrades. Spend total is based on cost of products only, and does not include shipping, taxes, installation or other fees. Products and pricing are available while supplies last and are subject to change without notice, so call or go online for the latest offering. Individual eligibility requirements and spending limits may apply.
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THE REPORTER • September 2017
STATE PERSONNEL CASES: PROTECTING STATE EMPLOYEE RIGHTS Representing State Employees in State employees are good people. But Grievances, Court of Appeals, and even good people make mistakes NC Office of Administrative Hearings mistakes that violate your rights as a career employee, discriminate against you, or cost you a promotion or job. ■
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Disciplinary Appeals Grievances / Just Cause Exempt Designation Health Care Registry Whistleblower Cases Dismissal Appeals Law Enforcement Certification
My practice is restricted to state personnel disciplinary and licensing matters. I have litigated personnel cases in the Office of Administrative Hearings since the 1990s. If you have a grievance, disciplinary appeal, or any state employment matter, call (919) 865-2572 or email me at michael@mbyrnelawnc.com. Learn how I put 20 years of experience and consistent success in state personnel cases to work for you - when your rights are on the line.
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Doug Sutton
www.ncsecu.org
Insurance Services
An ongoing promise
Providing quality and affordable insurance to SEANC members for over 40 years.
75 years ago, we made a promise to America’s workers – to help preserve and protect the vitally important things they work so hard to build. Even if unexpected events and challenging times get in their way.
We appreciate doing business with you!
Colonial Life is proud of our long relationship and partnership with the State Employees Association of North Carolina. To learn more contact: Colonial Life Toll Free: 888-SEANC-4-U (888-732-6248) Colonial.NCService@gmail.com
Please call us if we can be of service.
919-836-9993 or Toll Free: 1-800-788-7771 dougsutton@dougsuttonins.com
ColonialLife.com DISABILITY n ACCIDENT n LIFE n CANCER n CRITICAL ILLNESS n HOSPITAL INDEMNITY © 2015 Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, Columbia, SC | Colonial Life insurance products are underwritten by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, for which Colonial Life is the marketing brand
THE REPORTER • September 2017
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Periodical Postage PAID Raleigh, NC 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609
State Health Plan 2018 Open Enrollment Begins Sept. 30 From the Office of State Treasurer
Changes Reduce Complexity, Add Value
Open enrollment is Sept. 30-Oct. 31, 2017, and changes are coming for State Health Plan (Plan) members. You’ll notice that enrollment used to take about 50 “clicks” to complete but now takes about 10! This is just one of several changes that reduce complexity, maintain quality health coverage and contribute to the Plan’s long-term financial stability. Also: • Family premiums have been frozen; • Copays and deductibles will not increase; • You only have to complete the tobacco attestation credit, not a 34-question survey; and • The Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) is being eliminated (HRA funds must be used by Dec. 31, 2017).
2018 Plan Options, Premiums – Why the Change?
* You will be automatically enrolled in the 70/30 Plan unless you TAKE ACTION to elect the 80/20 Plan. Also, you must complete tobacco attestation to receive the lower monthly premium. Remember: copays and deductibles are not increasing.
• Pharmaceutical costs are projected to increase 8.5 percent.
The Plan will host Open Enrollment events in-person and online. For more information and to register, go to www.shpnc.org. You’ll also receive information by mail. Please READ IT so you can pick the best choice for you and your family. For questions, call the Eligibility and Enrollment Support Center at 855859-0966. During Open Enrollment extended hours will be available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon.
To reduce complexity, members will have two plan options: the 70/30 Plan and 80/20 Plan. Both plans will have employee-only premiums, which are necessary because: • Medical costs are projected to increase 7 percent.
• The Governor and General Assembly only funded the plans at a 4-percent increase. Each plan will have an employeeonly premium. After completing tobacco attestation, members will pay: • $25 per month employee-only premium for the 70/30 Plan* • $50 per month employee-only premium for the 80/20 Plan*
Help is Available!