Like
Tweet
The SEANC Scoop STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA IMPORTANT LINKS Member-Only Discounts SEANC Insurance SEANC in the News Update Contact Info Calendar of Events The Reporter
April 2, 2015
Gas tax bill passes General Assembly without DOT layoffs, but threatens other positions with privatization The House and Senate approved a compromise gas tax bill this week, sending it to Gov. Pat McCrory’s desk for his signature. Unlike the original proposal, this bill contains no layoffs from the Department of Transportation, though it will eliminate 40 empty positions. However, according to the News & Observer’s N.C. Insider, a new Senate bill filed Monday is calling for DOT to follow a mandate in the current budget year to make 81 job cuts by May by eliminating filled, full-time jobs that it can outsource – such as those in road maintenance. This bill is currently in the Senate’s Rules and Operations Committee.
Happy Easter!
Additionally, a Senate bill filed last week is still looking at the privatization of the DOT’s ferry services – a vital public service for those living, working and visiting along the coast and Outer Banks that carries 2.2 million passengers and 1 million vehicles every year. This bill is currently in the Senate Transportation Committee.
The SEANC Central Office will be closed tomorrow in commemoration of Good Friday so that staff may enjoy the holiday with their families. Happy Easter to
SEANC lobbyists are working to prevent the privatization of DOT jobs but we need your help. Now is the time for members – especially those working for DOT – to contact their legislators and explain to them that these vital public services are best performed by state employees.
all state employees, retirees and their families.
Retiring soon? Get your Retirement Health Plan questions answered! Are you already over 65 or turning 65 in the next 12 months and nearing retirement? The State Health Plan is now offering information sessions to help you maximize your health plan options. Click here for dates and times. Seating is limited so register early.
Get help paying for those college expenses! The SEANC Scholarship Foundation applications are now open for members, their spouses and their dependent children to apply. All applications must be postmarked to your district scholarship chairperson by April 15.
Want easy access to SEANC discounts? Then make sure you download the PerksCard app - PerksConnect. Available on the App Store and Google Play, this lets you start saving by showing local deals, right on your phone! Just be sure to use the group code SEANC when you register! Click here for more information.
“Vital public services should be performed by public employees,” SEANC Executive Director Mitch Leonard said. “State employees, who answer to the public, can provide these services better and more efficiently than employees from a private business who answer only to profit-maximizing shareholders.” Click here for the rest of the Legislative Update. Want to talk to your lawmakers yourself? Click here for their contact information and click here for SEANC's legislative priorities.
Chuck Stone takes on new role with SEANC On Wednesday, former SEANC president and longtime lobbyist Chuck Stone began a new chapter in his SEANC career, accepting the position of Director of Operations. In this position, Stone will supervise the association's finance section and coordinate other human resources duties, including employee performance evaluations. He also will oversee the association's Member Benefits and IT departments. Additionally, he will work with the SEANC Planning Committee to prepare the annual budget, produce monthly financial statements and oversee other financial functions. Stone, who has worked as a SEANC lobbyist since 2004, spent 31 years at O'Berry Neuro-Medical Treatment Center in Goldsboro, 25 of which were as the administrative officer. He has been a member of SEANC and its predecessor organization since 1974, and served as the SEANC president from 1997-1998. Stone, who is SEANC's leading health care expert, will continue to work on the State Health Plan in the General Assembly. "I have known and worked with Chuck for a long time," SEANC Executive Director Mitch Leonard said. "I am excited that he is putting off his retirement and remaining with us. His administrative background and his knowledge of SEANC will serve the association well in this new role as we continue to transform into a stronger, more stable association."
Help us get in touch with you! Update your contact information today! Have you moved? Changed agencies? Changed phone numbers? Changed email addresses? Then be sure to let us know! Click here to update your membership information.
Think you have what it takes to help grow SEANC? Then we may have a spot for you! Do you want to help grow SEANC's membership and its strength in numbers? Do you want to help recruit new members and retain our existing ones? Do you want to be part of a team working to empower SEANC members in the field and encourage participation within districts and at all levels of SEANC? Then we may have the perfect position for you! The Member Action Department is looking for a Member Action Coordinator.
RECRUIT! RECRUIT! RECRUIT! Do you have co-workers who are not SEANC members? Tell them why they should sign up today! Share with them your copy of the Scoop or the Reporter. Tell them about our legislative victories, including the $1,000 pay raise and 5 bonus days. Tell them that SEANC is a strong advocate for public employees and the vital services they provide - the only association that speaks for all state employees and works to improve North Carolina. For more information, visit our website, www.seanc.org and be sure to check out our Recruiter Resources.
If you have a four-year college degree in mass communications or a related field, and three years of professional-level experience in marketing, public relations or public information, preferably related to state employment – or an equivalent combination of education and experience – then we want to hear from you! Most importantly, if you have a passion for SEANC and a desire to work hand-in-hand, in the field with state employees and retirees, then we want to hear from you! Click here for more job opportunities and to apply.
More state workers side with SEANC! SEANC had a successful week on the recruiting trail, with a membership event held at the Murdoch Center's benefits fair in Butner (pictured). At that one event alone, 14 new members were recruited. Congratulations to all of the 51 new members who chose this week to empower themselves and the public services they provide by joining SEANC! They come to us from the state departments of Health and Human Services and Public Safety, as well as the Administrative Office of the Courts, UNC Hospitals, East Carolina University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and schools in Caldwell, Durham and Wilkes counties and Clinton city.
Contact Lynn Cote for more information on hosting an event at your worksite.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Looking for a great family day trip? How about the North Carolina Zoo? SEANC members and their families receive a $2 discount off general admission tickets. You must show your SEANC membership card at the ticket gate to receive the discount.
Save on auto insurance with Libery Mutual! Make the most of your SEANC benefits and check out the competitive rates on your auto insurance through Liberty Mutual. Take advantage of their convenient payment plan through payroll deduction. Click here or call 800-230-0827 for more information and to receive a free quote.
State Employees Association of North Carolina 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609 800-222-2758 | seanc.org
Like
Tweet
The SEANC Scoop STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA IMPORTANT LINKS Member-Only Discounts SEANC Insurance SEANC in the News Update Contact Info Calendar of Events The Reporter
April 10, 2015
General Assembly on Spring Break The General Assembly has been on Spring Break this week – something that most state employees do not get to enjoy. SEANC’s lobbyists didn’t get the week off either, and have been meeting with lawmakers who chose to stay in Raleigh to advocate on behalf of state employees. Since no meaningful action was taken this week, we will not have a Legislative Update. We will start back next week, though, when the legislature returns for what should be a jam-packed few months. Both the House and Senate have yet to release a budget proposal, and that debate should compromise a lot of time and energy if legislators hope to have a deal in place when the new fiscal year starts on July 1.
Theme Park tickets now available Purchase discounted tickets to the hottest theme and water parks in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia at any State Employees' Credit Union branch in the state.
SEANC lobbyists will continue to advocate for public services and the people who provide them, seeking pay raises and cost-of-living adjustments, improved working conditions and benefits for members, along with pointing out the dangers of privatization schemes that may arise. All members are encouraged to talk to legislators in person or by phone to tell them your story and how what they do in Raleigh affects you. Click here for their contact information and click here for SEANC's legislative priorities.
Mark Your Calendars for a Rally in Morganton! SEANC Districts 5, 6 and 7 will host the “Investing in our Future through our State Employees” rally for all state employees and retirees on April 18 at 10 a.m. at the old Burke County Courthouse in Morganton.
Retiring soon? Get your
Organizers will spotlight the need for pay raises and cost-of-living
Retirement Health Plan questions answered! Are you already over 65 or turning 65 in the next 12 months and nearing retirement? The State Health Plan is now offering information sessions to help you maximize your health plan options. Click here for dates and times. Seating is limited so register early.
Want easy access to SEANC discounts? Then make sure you download the PerksCard app - PerksConnect. Available on the App Store and Google Play, this lets you start saving by showing local deals, right on your phone! Just be sure to use the group code SEANC when you register! Click here for more information.
Help us get in touch with you! Update your contact information today! Have you moved? Changed agencies? Changed phone numbers? Changed email addresses? Then be sure to let us know! Click here to update your membership information.
adjustments for state workers and retirees, among other topics. It is being held in conjunction with the Burke County NCAE and EMPAC Area C. Come on out and show your support for public services and you, the people who provide them! Click here to download a flier to post at your worksite. For more information, contact District 7 Chairman Henry Belada.
Deadline to Apply for a SEANC Scholarship is Wednesday, April 15! Time is running out to apply for a SEANC scholarship! 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. Don’t delay! Download an application and locate your district scholarship chairperson’s contact information on the SEANC website. All applications must be postmarked to your district scholarship chairperson by April 15.
More State Workers Side with SEANC! Congratulations to all 56 new members who chose this week to empower themselves and the public services they provide by joining SEANC! SEANC had a successful week on the recruiting trail, recruiting new members at the Caswell Developmental Center in Kinston (pictured). The new members also come to us from the state departments of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Cultural Resources, Environment and Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, Public Safety, Transportation and Revenue, East Carolina University, UNC-Charlotte, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Stanly Community College, UNC Hospitals and schools in Burke, Durham, Forsyth, Wake and Wilkes counties. Contact Lynn Cote for more information on hosting an event at your worksite.
RECRUIT! RECRUIT! RECRUIT! Do you have co-workers who are not SEANC members? Tell them why they should sign up today! Share with them your copy of the Scoop or the Reporter. Tell them about our legislative victories, including the $1,000 pay raise and 5 bonus days. Tell them that SEANC is a strong advocate for public employees and the vital services they provide - the only association that speaks for all state employees and works to improve North Carolina. For more information, visit our website, www.seanc.org and be sure to check out our Recruiter Resources.
Also, if you are interested in helping the association grow by becoming a full-time recruiter, SEANC has a Member Action Coordinator position available. If you have a passion for SEANC and a desire to work hand-in-hand, in the field with state employees and retirees, then we want to hear from you! Click here for more information.
Spend the Night in a Room Fit for King! The savings on a family trip to Kings Dominion don’t stop after you purchase your discounted theme park tickets. Thanks to your SEANC membership, you can also save on your hotel accommodations. SEANC has teamed with Best Western Kings Quarters, walking distance to Kings Dominion, to give members 15% off on a good night’s rest after a long day on the rides. Hotel accommodations include free shuttle service to Kings Dominion. Click here for more information.
Gain Peace of Mind with Colonial Life! Want to work for SEANC? Feel like you have what it takes to work to better the lives of your fellow state employees? Check out SEANC's Job Opportunities page for postings.
Thought about supplemental insurance but not sure what is right for you? SEANC members can receive Colonial Life accident, cancer, critical illness, disability, hospital confinement, whole and universal life policies at competitive rates, with convenient payroll deduction. These personal insurance products can enhance your current benefits portfolio and can be customized to fit your individual needs. For more information on the plans visit the SEANC Insurance page or contact a Colonial Life representative at 888-732-6248.
State Employees Association of North Carolina 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609 800-222-2758 | seanc.org
Email not working properly? Click here to access this message in your web browser.
Like
Tweet
The SEANC Scoop STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA IMPORTANT LINKS Member-Only Discounts SEANC Insurance SEANC in the News Update Contact Info Calendar of Events The Reporter
April 17, 2015
General Assembly Returns from Spring Break; Leonard Meets with Gov. McCrory SEANC Executive Director Mitch Leonard met with Gov. Pat McCrory at the capitol on Thursday, his first meeting with McCrory as executive director. With budget negotiations right around the corner, pay raises and cost-of-living adjustments are chief among SEANC’s concerns. The pair discussed the new compensation plan McCrory intends to propose for state employees, along with the governor’s priority of workplace safety in light of the recent deaths of a worker at the State Archives building and a DOT worker in Wayne County. Leonard characterized the meeting as “productive.” He mentioned the association’s strong relationship with leadership in the General Assembly and reiterated that it is his hope to build the same working relationship with McCrory’s administration. The April 15 tax filing deadline passed this week, meaning legislators may have a clear picture of revenue numbers soon. So budget discussions will surely heat up over the next few weeks. Read more about the meeting, the budget and other happenings at the legislature in this week's Legislative Update.
Theme Park tickets now available Purchase discounted tickets to the hottest theme and water parks in North Carolina, South Carolina,
All members are encouraged to talk to legislators in person or by phone to tell them your story and how what they do in Raleigh affects you. Click here for their contact information and click here for SEANC's legislative priorities.
Tennessee and Virginia at any State Employees' Credit Union branch in the state.
Rally in Morganton Tomorrow! SEANC Districts 5, 6 and 7 will host the “Investing in our Future through our State Employees” rally for all state employees and retirees tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Burke County Courthouse in Morganton.
Retiring soon? Get your Retirement Health Plan questions answered! Are you already over 65 or turning 65 in the next 12 months and nearing retirement? The State Health Plan is now offering information sessions to help you maximize your health plan options. Click here for dates and times. Seating is limited so register early.
Want easy access to SEANC discounts? Then make sure you download the PerksCard app - PerksConnect. Available on the App Store and Google Play, this lets you start saving by showing local deals, right on your phone! Just be sure to use the group code SEANC when you register! Click here for more information.
Organizers will spotlight the need for pay raises and cost-of-living adjustments for state workers and retirees, among other topics. It is being held in conjunction with the Burke County NCAE and EMPAC Area C. Come on out and show your support for public services and you, the people who provide them! Click here to download a flier on the event, or read more about it in today's Morganton News Herald. For more information, contact District 7 Chairman Henry Belada.
More State Workers Side with SEANC! Congratulations to all 96 new members who chose this week to empower themselves and the public services they provide by joining SEANC! SEANC had a successful week on the recruiting trail, recruiting new members at East Carolina University (pictured). The new members also come to us from the state departments of Administration, Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Public Safety, Revenue and Transportation, the Administrative Office of the Courts, Bladen Community College, Mayland Technical College, Stanly Community College, schools in Bladen, Columbus, Forsyth, Orange, and Robeson counties, N.C. Central University, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte, UNC Hospitals and the State Employees’ Credit Union. Contact Lynn Cote for more information on hosting an event at your worksite.
Help us get in touch with you! Update your contact information today!
Also, if you are interested in helping the association grow by becoming a full-time recruiter, SEANC has a Member Action Coordinator position available. If you have a passion for SEANC and a desire to work hand-in-hand, in the field with state employees and retirees, then we want to hear from you! Click here for more information.
Have you moved? Changed agencies? Changed phone numbers? Changed email addresses? Then be sure to let us know! Click here to update your membership information.
Spring is a Great Time to Visit Orlando! It’s spring and what better place to celebrate than in sunny Florida where SEANC members can receive exclusive member discounts from the folks at Orlando Vacation!
RECRUIT! RECRUIT! RECRUIT! Do you have co-workers who are not SEANC members? Tell them why they should sign up today! Share with them your copy of the Scoop or the Reporter. Tell them about our legislative victories, including the $1,000 pay raise and 5 bonus days. Tell them that SEANC is a strong advocate for public employees and the vital services they provide - the only association that speaks for all state employees and works to improve North Carolina. For more information, visit our website, www.seanc.org and be sure to check out our Recruiter Resources.
Go and enjoy the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Find discounts right now to Lake Buena Vista Resort inside Disney World and discounts on renting vacation homes only minutes away from Disney World. Purchase a 4-day Disney World Park Hopper Ticket and get a fifth day free! Click here for special offers.
Gain Peace of Mind with Colonial Life! VPI Pet Insurance provides affordable pet health coverage from preventive care to significant medical incidents. Members are eligible for a 5% discount which makes this peace-of-mind protection even more affordable. Find out why VPI is recommended most by veterinarians and pet lovers alike. To enroll or to obtain additional information, contact 877-PETS-VPI (1877-738-7874) or visit the SEANC Insurance website.
Want to work for SEANC? Feel like you have what it takes to work to better the lives of your fellow state employees? Check out SEANC's Job Opportunities page for postings.
State Employees Association of North Carolina 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609 800-222-2758 | seanc.org
Like
Tweet
The SEANC Scoop STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA IMPORTANT LINKS Member-Only Discounts SEANC Insurance SEANC in the News Update Contact Info Calendar of Events The Reporter
April 24, 2015
SEANC stands up for worker rights, privacy SEANC Government Relations Director Ardis Watkins spoke out Wednesday at the House State Personnel Committee’s meeting over an attempt by the Office of State Human Resources to rewrite several portions of the State Human Resources Act by sneaking the changes into an amendment of what they said was largely a technical corrections bill. Watkins pointed out that despite a promise of cooperation from the Office of State Human Resources, SEANC was not allowed to see the changes until just before Wednesday’s meeting. Click here to watch Watkins speak to the committee. Once SEANC had time to study the changes, Watkins said, several objections were found. Several legislators on the committee also voiced concerns, but it was given a favorable report and sent to the House floor.
Theme Park tickets now available Purchase discounted tickets to the hottest theme and water parks in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia at any State Employees' Credit Union branch in the state.
Also this week, a bill to cut 81 jobs from DOT was mysteriously pulled after receiving a favorable report from the Senate Transportation Committee. The same committee also gave a favorable report to a bill that requests the DOT study privatizing the state ferry system. Read about these and more legislative issues affecting state workers in this week’s Legislative Update.
Retiring soon? Get your Retirement Health Plan questions answered! Are you already over 65 or turning 65 in the next 12 months and nearing retirement? The State Health Plan is now offering information sessions to help you maximize your health plan options. Click here for dates and times. Seating is limited so register early.
Have you been affected by privatization? SEANC wants to hear your story! With all the recent attempts at privatization, particularly in the Department of Transportation, SEANC’s lobbyists need your help in pointing out the dangers to lawmakers. We understand that not everyone can make it to Raleigh to speak directly to legislators, and work schedules don’t always permit you a chance to make a phone call. Help us tell your story for you. If privatization has affected your job already, please let us know. Click here to tell us your story. Remember, if you don’t tell legislators your story about privatization, the corporations will tell theirs!
Want easy access to SEANC discounts? Then make sure you download the PerksCard app - PerksConnect. Available on the App Store and Google Play, this lets you start saving by showing local deals, right on your phone! Just be sure to use the group code SEANC when you register! Click here for more information.
Morganton districts rally for state workers SEANC members from Districts 5, 6 and 7 gathered with members of Burke County NCAE on Saturday at the old Burke County Courthouse in Morganton to discuss issues facing state employees and teachers. The event included speeches from local leaders, members and chairpersons from each district and teachers from the area. Click here to access photos from the event.
Statewide Help us get in touch with you! Update your contact information today! Have you moved? Changed agencies? Changed phone numbers? Changed email addresses? Then be sure to let us know! Click here to update your membership information.
Recruitment
Day
a
success!
On Thursday, members around the state participated in a Statewide Recruitment Day and signed up 74 new members! From the seven new members who signed up at the DOT office in Wilmington to District 38’s tent on the Halifax Mall in Raleigh (pictured) to the 10 new members at the N.C. School for the Deaf in Morganton, the recruitment day was a resounding success! Click here for a link to photos from the day. In addition to these events, 66 new members joined throughout the week both online and at their worksites, giving SEANC 140 new
RECRUIT! RECRUIT! RECRUIT! Do you have co-workers who are not SEANC members? Tell them why they should sign up today! Share with them your copy of the Scoop or the Reporter. Tell them about our legislative victories, including the $1,000 pay raise and 5 bonus days. Tell them that SEANC is a strong advocate for public employees and the vital services they provide - the only association that speaks for all state employees and works to improve North Carolina. For more information, visit our website, www.seanc.org and be sure to check out our Recruiter Resources.
members this week! The new members also come to us from the state departments of Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources, Health & Human Services, Public Instruction, Public Safety, Transportation, the N.C. Wildlife Commission, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Pitt Community College, Southwestern Technical Community College, schools in Henderson and Cabarrus counties, N.C. Central University and N.C. State University. Contact Lynn Cote for more information on hosting an event at your worksite.
Experience the beauty of Busch Gardens! Looking for a summer getaway with fun rides, roller coasters and beautiful attractions? Visit Busch Gardens in historic Williamsburg, Va. You can be one of the first to experience their brand new roller coaster — the Tempesto. SEANC members can purchase discounted Busch Gardens tickets at any State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) branch. Click here for ticket prices, ordering information, and to find an SECU branch near you.
Homeowners/Rental Insurance Want to work for SEANC? Feel like you have what it takes to work to better the lives of your fellow state employees? Check out SEANC's Job Opportunities page for postings.
Did you know that you can save on your home owners/rental insurance with your SEANC membership? Call today to find out if you can get a better value on your homeowners, renters, condo, boat and other personal insurance. You can also find moneysaving tips to lower your monthly premiums. Use the links and telephone numbers below for more information and to receive a quote: • • •
Liberty Mutual, 800-230-0827 MetLife, 800-438-6388 Travelers, 888-695-4640