May 2018 • Vol. 36, Issue 4
THE
REPORTER
State Employees Association of North Carolina
Legislature returns for short session on May 16 Prison safety and pay raises are the top priorities for SEANC lobbyists as the 2018 N.C. General Assembly short session gavels in on May 16. As with every session, the state budget will be a major focus. SEANC will work to improve the lives of our members through increases in pay and benefits, and work to defeat attempted job cuts and privatization efforts. Following the deadliest year in North Carolina prison system history in 2017, with the deaths of five state employees in attacks at Bertie Correctional and Pasquotank Correctional, prison safety has moved to the front burner as well. A correctional professional is attacked in North Carolina every eight hours on average.
SEANC President Stanley Drewery created the SEANC Select Committee on Prison Reform, composed of members who work at the Department of Public Safety, to create a list of reforms our lobbyists will push in the session. In addition, Drewery serves on Gov. Roy Cooper’s Prison Reform Advisory Board, a group of stakeholders charged with finding solutions. The first bill aimed at increasing prison security passed through a joint oversight committee meeting in midApril after several correctional officers gave legislators a first-hand account of the dangers they face every day. The bill makes it a felony for any inmate to throw substances at an officer, and
changes the procedures for inmate grievances. With elections looming, the session may move quickly as legislators need to campaign. Because of this, it’s important that you stay informed and ready to take action should the need arise. Visit SEANC’s action page at seanc.org/engage to find your legislators’ contact information. You can contact them easily from that page with a few clicks. We will send members alerts via email and text when the time comes for action. Be sure to text “SEANC” to 787753 to enroll in our text messaging program, and pay attention to your emails. You can also keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter.
EMPAC endorses candidates for the 2018 primary EMPAC, the political arm of SEANC, recently announced its endorsement of nine candidates who face tough challenges in the upcoming May 8 primary election. Among those endorsed are Rep. Jonathan Jordan (R-Ashe), who stood up for retirees in the 2017 legislative session by filing a bill to give state retirees a much-needed 2-percent costof-living adjustment (COLA).
In This Issue 2 3 4-5 7 8
Members in Action EMPAC Endorsements Annual Meetings/Dental Plans Member Benefits Purchasing Power
The bill received bipartisan support in the House and built a foundation of support that resulted in the first true COLA in years in the state budget. Jordan also filed a bill to give equal pay raises to all state employees, as well as a bill to give a Christmas bonus to state employees. Sen. Shirley Randleman, a former state employee and longtime SEANC member, was endorsed because she has been a tireless advocate for state employees and retirees. She was named SEANC’s Legislator of the Year in 2014 for her fight to bring sunshine to investment fees paid by the state retirement system. EMPAC also endorsed Rep. Bob Steinburg, who is seeking to move to
the N.C. Senate representing 11 MA counties in Elect Y 8 ion D northeastern ay North Carolina. Steinburg led and elevated the conversation around prison reform following the deadliest year in the history of the state correctional system, when five state employees were killed. A strong supporter of working families, Rep. Steinburg cosponsored legislation in 2017 to raise wages, improve working conditions and enhance the benefits of state employees and teachers. For a complete list of endorsed primary candidates, turn to page 3.
MEMBERS IN ACTION
PUBLIC POLICY
SARA COWELL COBURN
SUBMITTED BY LYNN COTE
EMPAC Announces State Primary Endorsements
District 21 Chairwoman Virginia Lindsey, center, takes part in a Zumba class at the Employee Health Fair at the Murdoch Developmental Center in Butner on April 4, while recruiting new members.
Rep. Rosa Gill (D-Wake), left, discusses pertinent issues with District 42 member Tara Minter, center, and SEANC Executive Director Robert Broome at a meet and greet in Raleigh on March 14.
MAYn8Day
SUBMITTED BY JOHNNY DAVISON
Electio
SUBMITTED BY FELICIA CHIAMBIRO
Don Davis
THE
Western Member Relations Representative Johnny Davison and District 2 Chairman Cliff Johnson attended the Employee Benefit and Wellness Fair at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock on April 10.
REPORTER
THE REPORTER • May 2018
Former State Representative Mark Hollo (R) understands the value state employees and retirees provide in creating a strong economy for North Carolina. His candidacy for Senate B offers an opportunity to have a fresh voice advocating on behalf of our issues.
A
Senate District 1 Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington counties
HENRY BELADA
Advertising Policy
2
Don Davis (D) not only possesses a deep knowledge and history of support on our issues, but is also keenly aware of the integral role that state employees and retirees play in the economic health and prosperity of the counties he represents.
Bob Steinburg
State Employees Association of North Carolina 1621 Midtown Place • Raleigh, NC 27609 Telephone 919-833-6436, 800-222-2758 www.seanc.org
©Copyright 2018 SEANC. All rights reserved.
Mark Hollo Senate District 42 Alexander and Catawba counties
District 62 provided breakfast for Fort Fisher Aquarium employees on April 4. Pictured are employees learning about SEANC and filling out raffle tickets for door prizes.
Jonathan Owens, Editor-In-Chief Beth Dew, Managing Editor Amanda Wise, Associate Editor Sara Cowell Coburn, Associate Editor
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.
Shirley Randleman
Senate District 5 Greene and Pitt counties
Districts 5 and 7 members take a break during the Burke County Membership Training on March 20. Pictured from left to right Member Relations Representative Johnny Davison, District 7 Chairman Henry Belada, District 7 member Gary Harbison, District 5 member Crystal Sain, District 7 members Debbie Chadwick, Scott McMahan, Gwyn Wilkes and Luke Boone.
The Reporter, USPS 009-852 (ISSN 1069 2142), is published six times a year in the months of February, April, May, July, September and November for $2.50 per year, per member, by the State Employees Association of North Carolina, Inc., 1621 Midtown Place, Raleigh, NC 27609. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh and additional offices. POSTMASTER, Send address changes to: THE REPORTER, 1621 Midtown Place, Raleigh, NC 27609
Bob Steinburg (R) is a consistent champion for his constituents who prioritizes people over D politics. He has been a tireless advocate for more investment, more training and tougher policies to make our prisons safe.
Pat McElraft House District 13 Carteret and Jones counties Pat McElraft (R) has a longstanding and steadfast commitment to equitable treatment of North Carolina’s working families.
G
Senate District 45 Alleghany, Ashe, Surry, Watauga and Wilkes counties Shirley Randleman (R), a longtime SEANC member and 2014 Legislator of the Year, is a tireless advocate for state employees and retirees, was C instrumental in SEANC’s fight to bring sunshine to investment fees paid by state retirement. She also sponsored legislation to expand Bailey Settlement benefits.
Jonathan Jordan House District 93 Ashe and Watauga counties
Chris Malone House District 35 Wake County
Jonathan Jordan (R), a 2017 Legislator of the Year, stood up for state employees and retirees by filing bills to give equal pay raises to all state employees, to give a Christmas bonus to state employees and to give retirees a much-needed 2-percent COLA.
Chris Malone (R) has proven himself to be a true champion of state employees and retirees by leading the conversation on pay equity, sponsoring legislation to give retirees a 2-percent COLA, F and giving a voice to our issues in the legislature and in the community.
E
Kandie Smith House District 8 Pitt County
Michael Wray House District 27 Halifax and Northampton
Kandie Smith’s (D) track record of leadership and commitment to the city of Greenville and its employees offers an opportunity for a strong advocate in the House for the state employees, retirees and the constituents of Pitt County.
Michael Wray (D), our 2017 Legislator of the Year, has a strong and respected bipartisan voice, allowing him to be a powerful advocate on state employee and retiree issues.
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THE REPORTER • May 2018
3
ANNUAL MEETINGS
ANNUAL MEETINGS CALENDAR
Annual meetings offer the inside scoop Want the inside scoop on what is going on in state government? The best place to find out is at your district’s annual meeting! Each of SEANC’s 51 districts are required to hold an annual meeting prior to the Annual SEANC Convention, which is held in September. The districts hold these meetings in early summer each year (see this year’s schedule on the next page). District meetings are a wonderful place to get the answers you need about your membership, your job, your district and more. SEANC’s statewide officers and representatives from the SEANC senior staff provide an
update on the legislative session, State Health Plan, retirement system and more at each meeting. Also, the district annual meeting gives you the opportunity to gain new ideas on ways to protect, enhance and advocate for your rights and benefits, and recruit new members! You can also get an overview of the many insurance products and discounts SEANC offers. District meetings usually include a meal and social time, but you must also come ready to work! Delegates to the convention and district officers are chosen at annual meetings. In addition, candidates for SEANC’s statewide officers will lay out their own visions
for the coming year and ask for your support. Policy platform objectives and bylaws amendments also originate at district annual meetings. Policy platform objectives outline the procedures and goals that guide the association’s lobbying activities. Bylaws amendments define the purpose and internal structure of our organization. Now is your chance to be an active member of SEANC! We need as many active members as possible in order to be successful in lobbying efforts and beyond. Find your district in the list on the next page, and mark your calendars to attend!
Check out the benefits of SEANC dental plans As a SEANC member, you are eligible to enroll in a dental plan with UnitedHealthcare. Dental insurance is designed to offer you coverage for common dental care issues and to help you budget for dental services at all levels, preventive, basic and major. Flexible and convenient From our plans, you can choose the best dental insurance for your needs featuring: »» Preventive care like routine cleanings and x-rays covered with NO deductible or waiting period. »» Oral cancer screenings are covered under all plans. »» Coverage for basic services like fillings and periodontal maintenance which are subject to the plan’s deductible but NO waiting periods. »» Coverage for major services like root canals or oral surgery which
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THE REPORTER • May 2018
District
Date
Time
1
June 25
6:30 pm
Jackson County Senior Center, 100 County Services Park
2
May 29
6:00 PM
Asian Grand Buffets, 1968 Hendersonville Road
3
June 26
6:00 pm
Boone Golf Club, 433 Fairway Drive
4
June 19
6:00 pm
Cleveland County Coop Ext., 130 South Post Road
5
May 22
5:30 pm
Golden Corral, 605 W. Fleming Drive
6
June 12
6:00 pm
Broughton Hospital Employee Café, 1000 S. Sterling Street
Morganton
Place
7
June 5
5:30 pm
Golden Corral, 605 W. Fleming Drive
8
June 9
2:00 pm
Brushy Mountain Smokehouse, 201 Wilkesboro Avenue
9
May 31
6:00 pm
»» Access to an extensive dental network. Worried about affordable dental insurance? The cost of not taking care of your oral health could be more. Those without individual dental coverage are less likely to get routine dental care, meaning they seek out a dentist only when they have a problem. Doing nothing now means you may pay more later.
Contact Name
Contact Information
Y
Mark Haskett
haskett.mark@gmail.com
Asheville
Y
Cliff Johnson
clifford.johnson57@yahoo.com
Boone
Y
Wayne Holliday
rwh28605@yahoo.com
Shelby
Y
Jerry Bridges
jerrybridges5@att.net
Morganton
Y
Tony Smith
tonysmith646@gmail.com
Y
Sonya Akbar
akbarsonya@yahoo.com
Morganton
Y
Henry Belada
woodchop7@charter.net
Y
Ron Hunt
ronhunt852@embarqmail.com
Leatherman Residence, 4500 W. NC 10 Hwy
Newton
Y
Jamie Robinson
(704) 929-6133 turkey10133@yahoo.com
10
June 18
7:00 pm
Golden Corral, 1540 US-29
Concord
Y
Dennis Hartley
hartleyjames2000@yahoo.com
11
June 21
6:30 pm
DOT Maintenance Anson Co., 1017 Old Prison Camp Road
Polkton
Y
Kenny Brower
(704) 695-5523 browersauto@windstream.net
12
May 24
6:30 pm
Logan's Roadhouse, 2336 W. Roosevelt Blvd.
Monroe
Y
Chenell Rose
chenellr@gmail.com
13
June 12
6:00 pm
Hickory Tavern, 9010 Harris Corners Parkway
Charlotte
Y
Mary Clark
(704) 458-7789 mary.clark@cpcc.edu
16
June 12
6:00 pm
UNCSA, ACE Exhibition Complex, 1533 South Main Street
17
June 18
6:00 pm
Kernodle Senior Center, 1535 S. Mebane Street
18
June 11
6:30 pm
Pizza Hut, Tri-City Shopping Center Hwy 74
19
June 19
5:30 pm
Carolina Ale House, 3911 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd
Durham
20
June 9
10:00 am
Southern Coastal Regional Training Ctr, 180 Sandhills Drive
Raeford
21
June 21
6:00 pm
Carolina BBQ and Chicken, 1597 NC Hwy 56 W
Creedmoor
Y
Virginia Lindsey
Winston-Salem
y
Steve Lawson
slawson50@triad.rr.com
Burlington
Y
Kemrey Lamarr
lamarr.kemrey@yahoo.com
Rockingham
Y
Pam Locklear
plumbee1114@aol.com
Y
Angela Lyght
aslyght@gmail.com
Y
Jacque Chatman
(910) 624-6134 919-691-5563 (252) 327-3864 (910) 494-3768
22
June 28
6:00 pm
Brass Lantern Steak House, 515 Spring Branch Road
Dunn
Y
Rashia Norman Deborah Harney
23
May 9
7:00 pm
Dale's Seafood, 107 S. JK Powell Blvd
Whiteville
Y
Jeremy Register
jgr74@ymail.com
24
June 21
6:30 pm
Village Station 1893, 2744 N. Roberts Avenue
Lumberton
Y
Angela Mickey
angelamickeydr@yahoo.com
25
July 10
5:30 pm
OWASA Building, 400 Jones Ferry Road
Carrboro
Y
James Holman
jbholman1@outlook.com
26
June 7
6:00 pm
Polk Correctional Institution, 1001 Veazey Drive
Butner
Y
Stanley Gales
27
June 11
6:00 pm
Bocci Trattoria and Pizzeria, 5850 Fayetteville Road
Durham
Y
Sam Rogers
sbghud@gmail.com (919) 475.8306 (919) 225-1277 (cell) (919) 598-8416 (home)
28
July 11
5:00 pm
Home Plate Restaurant, 207 West C Street
Butner
Y
DuBoris Peterkin
919-669-4181
37
June 14
6:30 pm
SEANC Central Office, 1621 Midtown Place
Raleigh
Y
Furman Beckwith
(919) 773-0939 (home) (919) 434-8634 (cell)
38
June 11
5:30 pm
SEANC Central Office, 1621 Midtown Place
Raleigh
Y
Margaret Reader
(919) 272-6486 (cell)
39
June 12
5:30 pm
NC State University Club, 4200 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh
Y
George Thiessen
thie911@hotmail.com
40
June 14
5:30 pm
Correction Enterprise, 2020 Yonkers Road
Raleigh
Y
Vernice Whyms Roszena Lowe
41
June 11
6:00 pm
Golden Corral, 11016 Capital Blvd.
Wake Forest
Y
Stacie Crabtree
42
June 21
5:30 pm
SEANC Central Office, 1621 Midtown Place
Raleigh
Y
Shirley Bell
(919) 508-1552 (919) 810-7363 (919) 524-2084 stacie.crabtree@ncdps.gov (919) 219-3024 sbell1121@nc.rr.com
Raleigh
Y
Duane Smith
jumper20032@yahoo.com
Garner
Y
Geneva Langston
genevalangston@bellsouth.net darcellwcarter@gmail.com
44
SEANC offers multiple plans with different levels of benefits to help you find the best dental insurance fit for your budget. Dental insurance with UnitedHealthcare can be used to take care of your teeth. Even better, it can help you plan, control and budget for the costs of your dental care. That’s worth smiling about. Contact a SEANC Insurance Specialist today at 1-800-222-2758 for assistance choosing the plan that best suits your individual or family needs.
Dinner
North Wilkesboro
43
are subject to the plan’s deductible but NO waiting periods.
City Sylva
June 12
6:00 pm
Logan's Roadhouse, 1000 Timber Dr. East
45
June 1
6:00 pm
SEANC Central Office, 1621 Midtown Place
Raleigh
Y
Dee Carter
46
June 20
5:30 pm
SEANC Central Office, 1621 Midtown Place
Raleigh
Y
Blair Isenhower
919-247-9385
56
June 22
6:00 pm
Ralph's Barbecue, 1400 Julian R. Allsbrook Highway
Weldon
Y
Raymond Vaughan
raymondv20@centurylink.net
57
June 7
6:00 pm
Parker's Barbecue, 2514 US-301
Wilson
Y
Tom Sheen
252-292-9810
58
June 12
6:00 pm
Neuse Correctional Training Ctr, 701 Stevens Mill Road
Goldsboro
Y
Pam Hailey
pamhailey@suddenlink.net
59
June 14
5:15 pm
Cherry Hospital Conference Ctr, 1401 W. Ash Street
Goldsboro
Y
Kathy Merritt
(919) 738-8729
60
June 18
6:00 pm
Village Steak House & Pub, 5662 Hwy 70 East
Goldsboro
Y
Anita King
adelta06@gmail.com
61
June 8
6:00 pm
Ted's Charcoal Steakhouse, 337 Northeast Blvd
Clinton
Y
Cindy Hester
cindy.hester1971@gmail.com
62
June 18
6:00 pm
New Hanover Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive
Wilmington
Y
Laura Overstreet
(910) 395-2101 church237@gmail.com
63
May 29
6:30 pm
Heritage House, 1303 S. King Street
Windsor
Y
Sherry Dodge
(252) 944-6022
64
June 14
6:30 pm
Parker's Barbecue, 3109 S. Memorial Drive
Greenville
Y
Latina Shelley
(252) 474-0640
65
June 19
6:00 pm
Parker's Barbecue, 3109 S. Memorial Drive
Greenville
Y
Alicia Simpson
252-714-7818 alicia040679@yahoo.com
66
May 15
6:00 pm
Lenoir Co. Shrine Club, 1558 US Hwy 70 East
Kinston
Y
Hope Darden
jennifer.w.darden@nccourts.org
67
June 5
6:30 pm
Texas Steakhouse, 3231 Doctor MLK Jr. Blvd
New Bern
Y
Patricia Moore
(814) 756-0024
68
May 24
7:00 pm
Vernon James Research Ctr, 207 Research Station Road
Plymouth
Y
Rita Woods
(252) 394-6244
69
June 21
5:30 pm
ECSU Kermit White Center, 1704 Weeksville Road
Elizabeth City
Y
Joyce Shaw Keith Renner
seanc_d69@gmail.com vrkeithr@yahoo.com
Y
Debra Tyson
70
THE REPORTER • May 2018
5
You provide the friends & food...
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. ■
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
an SECU mortgage can help with the home.
Disciplinary Appeals Grievances / Just Cause Exempt Designation Health Care Registry Whistleblower Cases Dismissal Appeals Law Enforcement Certification
OPPORTUNITY
Doug Sutton
Insurance Services Providing quality and affordable insurance to SEANC members for over 40 years. We appreciate doing business with you!
Congratulations to the following five new members who joined SEANC between Jan. 1 through March 31 and won Haier 55" televisions in early April:
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.
Savyone Best District 2 Western Region Tina Southerland District 20 Piedmont Region
If you have a grievance, disciplinary appeal, or any state employment matter, call (919) 865-2572 or email me at michael@mbyrnelawnc.com.
LAW OFFICES OF MICHAEL C. BYRNE WAC H OV I A C A PI T O L C E N T E R , S U I T E 113 0 15 0 F AY E T T E V I L L E S T R E E T, R A L E I G H , N C 2 76 01
SEANC Scholarship Foundation Bowl-a-Thon & Silent Auction Saturday, July 21
1-3 p.m. Buffaloe Lanes North 5900 Oak Forest Drive ● Raleigh, NC
Join SEANC for a chance to win a Cuisinart Deluxe Grilling Tool Set New members joining SEANC between April 1 through June 30 will have their names placed in a drawing to win a Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set. There will be five drawings (one from each region). Features: Stainless Steel Materials Elongated Handle and Hanging Ring Durable Aluminum Carrying Case
Fatima Robinson District 40 South Central Region
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.
(919) 865-2572
EQUAL HOUSING
New SEANC members win 55" HDTVs
Morgan Forrester District 42 North Central Region Director of Member Services, left, presents District 20 member Tina Southerland with the HDTV at the SEANC Central Office.
James Sweder District 56 Eastern Region
Televisions sponsored by Purchasing Power, LLC.
Drawings will be random and will take place on July 2. Winners will be notified by telephone and/or letter. Grill sets sponsored by Purchasing Power, LLC.
Theme park season is here! SEANC has once again partnered with the State Employees’ Credit Union to offer savings at nine theme and water parks in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Tickets can be purchased at any State Employees’ Credit Union branch.
Proceeds from the event will be used to award thousands of dollars in educational scholarships to SEANC members, their spouses and their dependent children. Tickets: $20 per person or $100 per team of six To register, sponsor a lane or for more information visit seanc.org/seanc-bowl-a-thon
Exclusive for SEANC members! Please call us if we can be of service.
919-836-9993 or Toll Free: 1-800-788-7771 dougsutton@dougsuttonins.com 6
THE REPORTER • May 2018
Purchase discount tickets for Water Country USA directly from SEANC at seanc.org
THE REPORTER • May 2018
7
Periodical Postage PAID Raleigh, NC 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609
Plan your summer
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Our purchase program makes memorable summer adventures possible. Find everything you need for any summer outing & pay over time, directly from your paycheck.
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Promo code: 20SNCMAY18 | Ends 5/31/18
sign up online & start shopping! www.SEANC.PurchasingPower.com Eligibility requirements apply. See site for details. *Promo valid for 20% off your order through 5/31/18 at 11:59pm PST. First time buyers only. Offer excludes Apple products, Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, Square Trade Upgrades, Automotive Services, Vacations, 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. See site for details. “A Better Way to Buy” is a trademark, and “Purchasing Power” is a registered trademark, of Purchasing Power, LLC. Other trademarks used are the property of their respective owners. ©2018 Purchasing Power, LLC. All rights reserved.