3/9/2021
Legislature makes good on COVID relief promise
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Friday, February 5, 2021
Headlines
Legislature makes good on COVID relief promise The General Assembly reconvened on Jan. 27 with a commitment to address COVID-19 relief ahead of other issues. They stayed true to that commitment this week as Senate Bill 36 passed both chambers with bipartisan support. It includes the following spending measures: $39 million to expand rural high speed-internet $1.6 billion to help schools safely reopen $95 million for vaccine distribution $546 million for rental assistance program Also included an extension for parents to apply for the $335 extra credit grant Also this week, Senate Bill 37, which would require in-person learning options for K-12 public schools, passed second reading in the Senate, 29-16. The bill requires all school districts to offer a full-time, in-person instruction option for special needs children (Plan A), and another option with social distancing requirements (Plan B) offered to all students. SEANC is also tracking the progress of these bills: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Legislature-makes-good-on-COVID-relief-promise.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=mTV_N7OtnTI
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Legislature makes good on COVID relief promise
H5 - $15 minimum wage for non-certified public-school employees S19 - Study non-certified school employee salaries S4 - Equal tax treatment of government employees H52 - Equal tax treatment of government employees In non-legislative news, State Treasurer Dale Folwell announced this week that the Teachers and State Employees Retirement System board approved a reduction of the assumed rate of return for investments with retirement funds. The assumed rate of return is the system’s goal for gains made through investments each year. It is one of three funding sources for the system, along with employee contribution (6% of salary) and the state’s contribution. Lowering the assumed rate of return from 7% to 6.5% means the system will require more funding from the state, but should be less susceptible to market fluctuations.
Celebrating SEANC's first African-American Woman President Shirley Bell blazed a trail as SEANC president. SEANC is proud to be made up of a diverse membership of state employees and retirees from all walks of life. In honor of Black History Month, we celebrate the achievements of Black North Carolinians who have worked hard to make this state great! Today we celebrate the life and career of Shirley Bell, SEANC’s first – and only – African American Woman President, who continues her commitment to service to her community and the association. If you would like to nominate a member for inclusion, send an email to jowens@seanc.org! https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Legislature-makes-good-on-COVID-relief-promise.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=mTV_N7OtnTI
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3/9/2021
Legislature makes good on COVID relief promise
Behind the Scenes with SEANC SEANC is proud to highlight the leaders who work to provide the best services to our members every day. This week's profiles include an ordained deacon, a woman who loves a challenge, and a man who makes CD's on the computer.
Membership
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3/8
3/9/2021
Legislature makes good on COVID relief promise
Want to help SEANC grow? Every time you recruit a new member now through Feb. 28, you and the new member will be entered in a drawing to win $250.
Contact SEANC Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote TODAY at lcote@seanc.org or 919-880-9815 to arrange the recruiting/materials assistance you need. Recruiters will receive $20 for every new member recruited.
Referral Member Program: Send us the name and contact information for a possible new member. If they sign up, you get $20! Contact Us
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4/8
3/9/2021
Legislature makes good on COVID relief promise
Register for the Events Here If you would like printed copies of the Membership Guide and Insurance Guide, please contact Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote at lcote@seanc.org.
Save with SEANC Insurance Reminder: You don't have to wait for open enrollment to take advantage of SEANC's Insurance programs. Visit seanc.org/insurance for more!
Enroll in our new BenExtend product today Aflac is excited to offer to ALL SEANC members, including retirees, the new BenExtend product. BenExtend coverage is guaranteed-issue, which means you may qualify for coverage without having to answer health questions. With hospitalization, critical illness, term life, and counseling benefits included, the Aflac BenExtend product is a wellrounded plan to help protect you and your loved ones from the unexpected. Learn more
Protect your pet today with VIP Pet Insurance Make sure you’re protected for veterinary expenses in case your pet https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Legislature-makes-good-on-COVID-relief-promise.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=mTV_N7OtnTI
5/8
3/9/2021
Legislature makes good on COVID relief promise
gets sick or hurt. My Pet Protection® is a pet insurance plan that reimburses 90% of veterinary bills with a low $250 annual deductible and a generous $7,500 maximum annual benefit. Learn more
Benefits
Apply for the Leadership NC Scholarship Ready to take the next step into a leadership role in your job, your community or SEANC? Now's your chance. SEANC’s Emerging Leaders Council has established a scholarship program to allow one SEANC member the opportunity to participate in Leadership North Carolina (LNC), a two-year training program where participants acquire the skills necessary to take the lead. Apply by April 30. Learn more
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3/9/2021
Legislature makes good on COVID relief promise
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3/9/2021
Legislature makes good on COVID relief promise
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8/8
3/9/2021
SCOOP: State revenues are stronger than expected
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Friday, February 12, 2021
State revenues project higher than expected given the economic uncertainty https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SCOOP--State-revenues-are-stronger-than-expected.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=YonNS31pa7I
1/10
3/9/2021
SCOOP: State revenues are stronger than expected
State budget officials announced this week that the state is in a much stronger financial position than expected in the early stage of the pandemic. The state is expected to receive $4 billion more in revenues than it anticipated in May 2020, meaning there will be much more in coffers for state operations. This is welcome news for state employees and retirees as budget negotiations begin. SEANC will press upon legislators the need to recognize the hard work and sacrifices made by state employees during the pandemic, as well as the continued need for help for retirees, by investing in raises and cost-of-living adjustments. SEANC Director of Government Relations Suzanne Beasley reviews this announcement as well as the COVID relief package that passed this week and other bills in this week's Legislative Update.
Linda Coleman: A tireless advocate for state employees and retirees Throughout an exemplary career in public service, Linda Coleman has always worked to call attention to the needs of state employees and retirees. Whether in her career in state agencies, her three terms in the N.C. House, or her statewide and Congressional campaigns, she has always fought for working families. Coleman was the first woman in the state's history to serve as Director of State Personnel and came up just 7,000 votes short of being its first African-American woman Lieutenant Governor. SEANC is proud to salute her pioneering leadership in Black
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2/10
3/9/2021
SCOOP: State revenues are stronger than expected
History Month. Coleman sat down with SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins for a discussion of her career, her philosophy, and her future! If you would like to nominate a member for inclusion, send an email to jowens@seanc.org!
Join us for upcoming webinars!
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3/10
3/9/2021
SCOOP: State revenues are stronger than expected
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4/10
3/9/2021
SCOOP: State revenues are stronger than expected
Want to help SEANC grow? Every time you recruit a new member now through Feb. 28, you and the new member will be entered in a drawing to win $250. Contact SEANC Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote TODAY at lcote@seanc.org or 919-880-9815 to arrange the recruiting/materials assistance you need. Recruiters will receive $20 for every new member recruited. Referral Member Program: Send us the name and contact information for a possible new member. If they sign up, you get $20! Contact Us
If you would like printed copies of the Membership Guide and Insurance Guide, please contact Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote at lcote@seanc.org.
Save with SEANC Insurance Reminder: You don't have to wait for open enrollment to take advantage of SEANC's Insurance programs. Visit seanc.org/insurance for more! https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SCOOP--State-revenues-are-stronger-than-expected.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=YonNS31pa7I
5/10
3/9/2021
SCOOP: State revenues are stronger than expected
Tired of the extra add-on fees on your glasses? SEANC offers three nationwide vision plans through Spectera that include eye exams, lenses, eyeglass frames and contact lenses. The enhanced plan option covers many eyeglass lens extras, such as progressive lenses. Discounts are available on non-covered cosmetic options and laser vision correction procedures. Rates start at just $13.33 per month for the Enhanced Plan Option 1, and once the plan is in effect, there are no waiting periods. Learn more
Enroll in our Dental Insurance plan today! SEANC's Dental Insurance through UnitedHealthcare is one of our most popular plans, and with good reason. The plan includes an annual deductible from $25 to $50 and preventative care is 100 percent covered with no deductible for two visits per year. Learn more
Benefits
Apply for the Leadership NC Scholarship Ready to take the next step into a leadership role in your job, your community or SEANC? Now's your chance. SEANC’s Emerging Leaders Council has established https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SCOOP--State-revenues-are-stronger-than-expected.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=YonNS31pa7I
6/10
3/9/2021
SCOOP: State revenues are stronger than expected
a scholarship program to allow one SEANC member the opportunity to participate in Leadership North Carolina (LNC), a two-year training program where participants acquire the skills necessary to take the lead. Apply by April 30. Learn more
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7/10
3/9/2021
SCOOP: State revenues are stronger than expected
Behind the Scenes with SEANC SEANC is proud to highlight the leaders who work to provide the best services to our members every day. This week's profiles include a Native American style drummer, a pastry chef and a Fantasy Football league champion. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SCOOP--State-revenues-are-stronger-than-expected.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=YonNS31pa7I
8/10
3/9/2021
SCOOP: State revenues are stronger than expected
Tweet of the Week
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9/10
3/9/2021
SCOOP: State revenues are stronger than expected
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10/10
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: SEANC pushes for State Health Plan funding and increases for state employees and retirees
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Friday, February 19, 2021
SEANC pushes for State Health Plan funding and increases for state employees and https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--SEANC-pushes-for-State-Health-Plan-funding-and-increases-for-state-employees-and-retirees.html?soid=1134…
1/8
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: SEANC pushes for State Health Plan funding and increases for state employees and retirees
retirees During last week's legislative update, we informed you about the state's $4 billion surplus. Our lobbyists are having conversations with lawmakers about how that money can be used to improve the livelihoods of state employees and retirees. This week we focused on State Health Plan expenses due to the pandemic. Here are some updates: The State Health Plan (SHP) has spent $72 million dollars on COVID testing and treatment as of December 2020. The SHP is expected to spend an additional $122 million in 2021 on COVID testing and treatment. The SHP was required by the federal government to pay for COVIDrelated items in order to deplete federal funds. SEANC is advocating for CARES Act funds to be used to replenish the State Health Plan. Additional Updates: Senate Bill 37 provides an in-person learning choice for all school districts. After some debate and amendments, it is now headed to the Governor’s desk. The SEANC lobbying team is having conversations with legislators about the needs of all state employees who are working the frontlines during this pandemic and we are getting positive feedback. SEANC is here to answer questions and help in any way we can. Please reach out to SEANCcares and someone from our team will get back to you.
James Holman: Making "good trouble" as a voice for UNC-Chapel Hill staff https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--SEANC-pushes-for-State-Health-Plan-funding-and-increases-for-state-employees-and-retirees.html?soid=1134…
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3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: SEANC pushes for State Health Plan funding and increases for state employees and retirees
Holman recently received the inaugural Rebecca Clark Staff Award for Moral Courage for his work in fighting for issues important to staff at UNC-Chapel Hill. A lifetime Employee Forum delegate, Holman has worked at UNC-Chapel Hill for 15 years and is currently serving as a housekeeping crew leader and chairman of SEANC District 25. A native of Hillsborough, Holman was the first African-American student at Cameron Park Elementary School as a third-grader. He moved to Connecticut for 20 years after high school, but returned to Orange County and secured a job at UNC-Chapel Hill. He first got involved in the Employee Forum and SEANC’s district on campus in response to unfair treatment of housekeeping staff, and was instrumental in leading a charge for a full restructuring of housekeeping operations. “During that time I received a lot of pushback and was labeled a troublemaker,” Holman said in a story on UNC’s website announcing the award. “I have found out when staff members speak out, they are labeled as troublemakers. I am going to use one of the late John Lewis’s statements: ‘Get in good trouble, necessary trouble.’ To me, I was making good trouble.” SEANC is proud to celebrate James and his advocacy in the workplace. Click here to read James' full interview. If you would like to nominate a member for inclusion, send an email to jowens@seanc.org!
Behind the Scenes with SEANC SEANC is proud to highlight the leaders who work to provide the best services to our members every day. This week's profiles include a lumberjack, RVer and past resident of France.
Save with SEANC Insurance Reminder: You don't have to wait for open enrollment to take advantage of SEANC's Insurance programs. Visit seanc.org/insurance for more! https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--SEANC-pushes-for-State-Health-Plan-funding-and-increases-for-state-employees-and-retirees.html?soid=1134…
3/8
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: SEANC pushes for State Health Plan funding and increases for state employees and retirees
Save money on your home and auto insurance SEANC offers auto insurance through three companies.Take advantage of the special discounted group insurance rates you can receive as a SEANC member! Convenient payment plans such as payroll deduction, bank draft and direct billing are also available. You can receive a quote by using the information below. Liberty Mutual 1-800-230-0827 Client Code: 101391 MetLife 1-800-438-6388 Discount Code: BMO Travelers 1-888-695-4640 Discount Code: 4110 Learn more
Switch to T-Mobile and Save SEANC members can more than $900 switching to T-Mobile from Verizon. With Unlimited T-Mobile plans you can enjoy premium features like a complimentary Netflix account, international texting and data, as well as free stuff with T-Mobile Tuesdays. Learn more
Join us for upcoming events! Thank you to everyone who attended our "Recruit the Recruiter" event on February 18. Congratulations to Janice Bass of District 21, the winner of our $50 gift card giveaway. Please share our New Member event (February 25 at 6:00 pm) with nonmembers.
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4/8
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: SEANC pushes for State Health Plan funding and increases for state employees and retirees
RSVP today! Register for the Event Here
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5/8
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: SEANC pushes for State Health Plan funding and increases for state employees and retirees
Want to help SEANC grow? Every time you recruit a new member now through Feb. 28, you and the new member will be entered in a drawing to win $250. Contact SEANC Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote TODAY at lcote@seanc.org or 919-880-9815 to arrange the recruiting/materials assistance you need. Recruiters will receive $20 for every new member recruited. Referral Member Program: Send us the name and contact information for a possible new member. If they sign up, you get $20! Contact Us
If you would like printed copies of the Membership Guide and Insurance Guide, please contact Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote at lcote@seanc.org.
Benefits
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6/8
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: SEANC pushes for State Health Plan funding and increases for state employees and retirees
Apply for the Leadership NC Scholarship Ready to take the next step into a leadership role in your job, your community or SEANC? Now's your chance. SEANC’s Emerging Leaders Council has established a scholarship program to allow one SEANC member the opportunity to participate in Leadership North Carolina (LNC), a two-year training program where participants acquire the skills necessary to take the lead. Apply by April 30. Learn more
Tweet of the Week
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7/8
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: SEANC pushes for State Health Plan funding and increases for state employees and retirees
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8/8
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: Appropriations committees begin work on state budget
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Friday, February 26, 2021
Appropriations committees begin work on state budget https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--Appropriations-committees-begin-work-on-state-budget.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=raOVZMOQ-AU
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3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: Appropriations committees begin work on state budget
The budget dance is slowly starting to heat up at the General Assembly. This week, SEANC lobbyists monitored Joint Appropriations Subcommittee meetings where legislative staff made presentations on the budget process and budget overviews. Items discussed included: A request from Community College System President Thomas Stith for a 5% pay raise for community college faculty and staff to make up for two years without an increase. A presentation from the Department of Transportation on its spending forecast. An overview from the Department of Public Safety of state prisons, including costs to house and medical treatment of offenders. Some bills of interest that were filed this week include: H126 and S121 provide for a 7% pay increase for Community College employees. H83, H75 and S4 are all bills that contain language pertaining to exempting government retirees from income tax on pension payments. H169 regarding transparency and contracts with the State Health Plan Watch this week’s legislative update above for more on these topics and an overview of this week’s State Health Plan meeting.
Hiawatha Jones: a life of advocacy and public service District 60 member Hiawatha Y. Jones learned at a young age to stand up for what’s right. At nine years old, she successfully convinced her segregated school in Mount Olive that she and her classmates deserved school buses rather than having to walk five miles each day. That drive has stayed with her through a lifetime of public service, and her efforts were
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3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: Appropriations committees begin work on state budget
recognized recently when she was appointed to the Goldsboro City Council. Read more about Hiawatha here.
L.T. McCrimmon: Blazing trails at the highest levels “People hear 'L.T. McCrimmon' and they automatically think I'm a man” says La’Tanta, the first African-American woman to serve as Legislative Director for a governor in state history. An unassuming force, inspired by her mother’s political engagement, L.T. has dedicated her career to public service. Read more about her life and career here.
Behind the Scenes with SEANC SEANC is proud to highlight the leaders who work to provide the best services to our members every day. This week's profiles include a grandmother of six, a county commissioner and someone struck by the SEANC cupid.
Save with SEANC Insurance https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--Appropriations-committees-begin-work-on-state-budget.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=raOVZMOQ-AU
3/9
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: Appropriations committees begin work on state budget
Reminder: You don't have to wait for open enrollment to take advantage of SEANC's Insurance programs. Visit seanc.org/insurance for more!
Enroll in a plan that protects you from the unexpected SEANC is excited to offer the exclusive Aflac BenExtend product to ALL of our members, including retirees! We’d like to think science can stop contagious diseases in their tracks, but outbreaks such as the flu, SARS, COVID-19, along with issues related to trauma, have shown that’s not always the case. With a combination of hospitalization, critical illness, life insurance, and counseling, BenExtend is a wellrounded plan to protect you and your family from the unexpected. Learn more
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4/9
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: Appropriations committees begin work on state budget
Membership
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5/9
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: Appropriations committees begin work on state budget
Want to help SEANC grow? Every time you recruit a new member now through Feb. 28, you and the new member will be entered in a drawing to win $250. Contact SEANC Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote TODAY at lcote@seanc.org or 919-880-9815 to arrange the recruiting/materials assistance you need. Recruiters will receive $20 for every new member recruited. Referral Member Program: Send us the name and contact information for a possible new member. If they sign up, you get $20! Contact Us
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--Appropriations-committees-begin-work-on-state-budget.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=raOVZMOQ-AU
6/9
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: Appropriations committees begin work on state budget
If you would like printed copies of the Membership Guide and Insurance Guide, please contact Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote at lcote@seanc.org.
Benefits
Apply for the Leadership NC Scholarship https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--Appropriations-committees-begin-work-on-state-budget.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=raOVZMOQ-AU
7/9
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: Appropriations committees begin work on state budget
Ready to take the next step into a leadership role in your job, your community or SEANC? Now's your chance. SEANC’s Emerging Leaders Council has established a scholarship program to allow one SEANC member the opportunity to participate in Leadership North Carolina (LNC), a two-year training program where participants acquire the skills necessary to take the lead. Apply by April 30. Learn more
Tweet of the Week
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8/9
3/9/2021
SEANC Scoop: Appropriations committees begin work on state budget
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