September 2016 • Vol. 34, Issue 6
THE
REPORTER
State Employees Association of North Carolina
The statewide committee of EMPAC, the political arm of the State Employees Association of North Carolina, voted in late July to endorse Roy Cooper for Governor of North Carolina. The endorsement came after the committee’s extensive interviews with both Cooper and his opponent, incumbent Gov. Pat McCrory. Cooper, who has served as the state’s Attorney General for the past 15 years, is more than qualified for the position. EMPAC is confident he will be a champion for state employees and retirees in the Governor’s Mansion. “Devoting his own life to public service, Roy Cooper understands the issues facing state employees and retirees firsthand,” said EMPAC Statewide Chairman Tony Smith. “Those issues are the same ones facing all working families in North Carolina. He’s an advocate for the middle class who will not work against our members for corporate profits. We proudly stand with him in this election.” As of early August, polls showed a tight race between Cooper and McCrory, meaning that support from unified SEANC members could make the difference.
In This Issue 2-4 5 6-7 8 10 11 12
Scholarship Recipients Public Policy Annual Convention Members In Action Election 2016 Public Policy EMPAC Endorsements
N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper and SEANC First Vice President Stanley Drewery discuss the issues facing state employees and retirees.
If you’ll recall, McCrory’s 2016 budget proposal called for no true pay raises or cost-of-living adjustments for retirees, despite the fact that state employees and retirees have fallen behind the cost of living by around 10 percent since 2010. In the final days of this year's budget debate, SEANC members called on McCrory to support the House’s proposal for true pay raises and COLAs. He didn’t, and state employees were left with inadequate raises and small bonuses, while retirees got a one-time bonus that will not help them keep up with the price of goods and services and will largely be taken by the tax man. “McCrory had a chance in the most recent state budget debate to stand up for state employees and retirees,” Smith said. “He chose not to, which means another year where our members will fall behind the cost of living. It’s time for a change.”
To add insult to injury, he took $500,000 of emergency response funds at the close of session to pay for legal fees to defend his bill on bathrooms. Essentially, each state employee and retiree gave up $5 to support HB2. McCrory even singled out SEANC specifically in an attack late last year. In an attempt to silence the association's members, he rescinded an executive order that allowed members to participate in SEANC’s annual convention and granted employees the right to “meet and confer” with agency leadership over issues they see at their workplace. SEANC looks forward to supporting Cooper in the upcoming election, and urges you to do the same. Even if you are a Republican, as a SEANC member the choice for your bank account and your future is obvious. Please tell your friends, family members and coworkers to vote for Cooper as well.
JONATHAN OWENS
Cooper is the clear choice for governor
SEANC ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS The SEANC Scholarship Foundation and SEANC districts across the state announced they are awarding more than $100,000 in awards; $38,500 of that is being given out by the statewide SEANC Scholarship Foundation to 47 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) Jamisen Moore Durham
Molly Macchia Lenoir
Safari Richardson Greensboro
Lenoir Rhyne University
N.C. State University
UNC-Greensboro
Daughter of District 5 member Angela Macchia Caldwell County Schools
Daughter of District 17 member Shronda Roseborough Dept. of Revenue
Daughter of District 27 member Melody Moore Retired
Liliah Andrews Mooresville
Shaunee’ McLaurin Laurinburg
Jasmine Walker Ocala, Florida
UNC-Wilmington
UNC-Pembroke
Virginia Union University
Daughter of District 7 member William Bryan Andrews Dept. of Transportation
Daughter of District 18 member Iris Lockhart Dept. of Public Safety
Daughter of District 58 member Willie Walker Retired
Brandon Glover Cleveland
Mikaela Olmstead Cameron
Elondia Grant Goldsboro
N.C. State University
High Point University
Campbell University
Son of District 9 member Jacob Shane Glover Dept. of Transportation
Daughter of District 20 member Sandra Olmsted Central Carolina Community College
Daughter of District 60 member Patricia Grant Retired
Halo Paul New London
Darnisha Pulley Oxford
Andrew Tengue Wilmington
UNC-Charlotte
UNC-Charlotte
UNC-Wilmington
Daughter of District 10 member Paul Efird Dept. of Public Safety
Daughter of District 21 member Catherine Demming Dept. of Health and Human Services
Son of District 62 member Lynn Teague New Hanover County Schools
Brache’ Baucum-Porter Winston-Salem
Gabrielle Cates Roxboro
Traniqua Felton South Mills
UNC-Charlotte
East Carolina University
East Carolina University
Son of District 16 member Pamela Baucum Winston-Salem State University
Daughter of District 25 member Gabrial Cates UNC-Chapel Hill
Daughter of District 69 member Angela Felton Dept. of Health and Human Services
Two-Year Financial ($500) Nathan Huffman Hickory
2
Mary Parker Rocky Mount
Joseph Sutton Fremont
Haley Cannon Snow Hill
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Nash Community College
Wayne Community College
Pitt Community College
Son of District 5 member Ned Huffman Dept. of Public Safety
Daughter of District 46 member Mary Parker Dept. of Revenue
Son of District 59 member Carolyn Sutton Dept. of Health and Human Services
Daughter of District 65 member Lorri Cannon Pitt Community College
THE REPORTER • September 2016
SEANC ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Four-Year Merit ($1,000) Jacob Berry Rutherford College Wake Forest University
Alexander Spencer West Jefferson
Jada Hester Wake Forest N.C. State University
N.C. State University
Son of District 6 member Mark Berry Dept. of Health and Human Services
Daughter of District 42 member Martavyrene Hester Dept. of Health and Human Services
Son of District 8 member Stephanie Spencer Ashe County Schools
William Boldizar Wilmington
Callan Loflin Denton
Lindsay Stone Laurinburg
Duke University
Duke University
Son of District 62 member Nanci Boldizar UNC-Wilmington
Daughter of District 16 member Cheree Loflin Davidson County Schools
Daughter of District 24 member Donna Stone Dept. of Public Safety
Abby Fogarty Gastonia
Andi Morgan Shelby
Katelyn Vause Richlands
UNC-Chapel Hill
UNC-Chapel Hill
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Daughter of District 9 member David Fogarty N.C. State University
Daughter of District 4 member Donnie Morgan Dept. of Transportation
Daughter of District 61 member Robert Vause Dept. of Transportation
Wendy Hall Liberty
Emily Neville Linden
Zachary Walker Raleigh
UNC-Wilmington
N.C. State University
UNC-Chapel Hill
Daughter of District 17 member Kimberly Hall Randolph County Schools
Daughter of District 22 Ellen Neville Cumberland County Schools
Son of District 39 member Michael Walker N.C. State University`
Melanie Hardee Benson
Matthew Parker Carthage
Ashley Weingartz Greenville
N.C. State University Daughter of District 38 member Delmon Hardee Dept. of Agriculture
N.C. State University
N.C. State University
East Carolina University
Son of District 20 member Michael Parker Retiree
Daughter of District 65 member Ann Weingartz East Carolina University
Two-Year Merit ($500) Lanna McKinney Nebo Western Piedmont Community College Daughter of District 5 member Gary McKinney Dept. of Public Safety
Andrew Widener Thomasville Davidson County Community College Son of District 16 member Claude Widener Dept. of Public Safety
Jessica Keyser Goldsboro
Zacchaeus Rasberry LaGrange
Wayne Community College
Louisburg College
Daughter of District 59 member Tricia Keyser Dept. of Health and Human Services
Son of District 66 member Maurice Rasberry Dept. of Health and Human Services
(Continued on Page 4) 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
THE REPORTER • September 2016
3
SEANC ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Member-Only ($500) Sheila Renea Winchester Whittier Southwestern Community College Member of District 1 Southwestern Technical College
Shauna Burger Gastonia
John Mwawana Goldsboro
Belmont Abbey College
Lenoir Community College
Member of District 13 Central Piedmont Community College
Member of District 59 Dept. of Health and Human Services
Rosa McAllister-McRae Raeford
Ellen Dorean Hayes Blowing Rock
Octavius Shelley Winterville
East Tennessee State Univesity
Wingate University
Member of District 3 Dept. of Public Safety
Member of District 20 Sandhills Community College
Member of District 64 Dept. of Health and Human Services
Chenell Rose Charlotte
Rashia Norman
Capella University
Member of District 22 Dept. of Public Safety
Rhonda Parker Kinston
Member of District 12 Dept. of Public Safety
Fayetteville State University
Pitt Community College
East Carolina University Member of District 66 Dept. of Health and Human Services
Your way to buy today and pay tomorrow Purchasing Power is an exclusive purchase program available to SEANC members. Shop thousands of brand-name products. Pay over time, right from your paycheck – with no credit check, hidden fees, or interest.
10% off your first order
*
Promo code:
10FALL16 Offer ends 10/31/16
SEANC.PurchasingPower.com refer a fellow member, earn $25
refer.purchasingpower.com
*All orders are subject to a minimum order amount, which will not exceed $300. Promo valid online only for 10% off through 10/31/2016 at 11:59 pm PST. Offer excludes Apple Products, Automotive Services, Doorbusters and Flash Sales. 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. Individual eligibility requirements and spending limits 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 or registered trademarks used are the property of their respective owners. © 2016 Purchasing Power, LLC. All rights reserved.
4
THE REPORTER • September 2016
PUBLIC POLICY SEANC stops attempt to change hiring practices SEANC scored an unexpected but important victory on the last night of the 2016 General Assembly short session on July 1, when lobbyists stopped a sneaky attempt to drastically change state hiring practices found in a technical corrections bill. The final day of the session stretched right up to midnight, with a flurry of bills being passed up until the final gavel. The end of session is a dangerous time for state employees and retirees. You never know what kind of harmful legislation will find its way into a seemingly bland bill. SEANC’s lobbyists were observant enough to catch a small but critical change in a bill and garnered enough support to defeat it. Technical corrections bills, by definition, are supposed to be noncontroversial bills that only change things like grammatical errors or other “technical” problems in statutes. This particular bill would have taken the word “most” out in front of “qualified candidate” in a statute on state employee hiring. If you’ll recall, this is a fight we had with the Office of State Human Resources last year and each of the last three years. Taking out “most” would allow the governor or any other hiring manager, many of whom are political appointees, to hire
anyone they deemed qualified for a job, even if there was a state employee seeking the job that was more qualified. In essence, taking out that one word changes all of the hiring practices of state government. SEANC worked with many in the House who agreed that the change was too big to be in a technical corrections bill. Through the leadership of House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland), Rep. Nelson Dollar (R-Wake), Rep. David Lewis (R-Harnett), Rep. Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth), Rep. Pat Hurley (R-Randolph), Rep. Darren Jackson (D-Wake), Rep. Mitchell Setzer (R-Catawba), Rep. Jonathan Jordan (R-Ashe), Rep. Larry Hall (D-Durham), Rep. Michael Wray (D-Halifax), Rep. Susi Hamilton (D-New Hanover), Rep. George Cleveland (R-Onslow ) and others, the bill was amended in our favor by a 98-0 vote. SEANC thanks all of the members who worked hard this session on behalf of state employees and the public services they provide. We also urge you to continue to build a relationship with your legislators, and remind them that you will be voting in November.
THE
REPORTER
FRI., SAT. & SUN.
. SEPT. 23 - OCT. 30
SUPER SAVINGS ON TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL SECU BRANCHES THROUGH SEPT. 30 OR AT SEANC OFFICE THROUGH OCT. 30
Member savings not available at front gate. Purchase though SECU Branch or SEANC Office. Park and event schedules are subject to change. Please verify park schedule before visiting. Restrictions apply. ©2016 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
Jonathan Owens, Editor-In-Chief Beth Dew, Managing Editor Amanda Wise, Associate Editor Sara Cowell Coburn, Associate Editor
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.
THE REPORTER • September 2016
5
33RD ANNUAL SEA Candidates for SEANC statewide office announced SEANC leadership for 2016-2017 will be determined by approximately 850 delegates at the 33rd Annual SEANC Convention on Sept. 9. 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 annual convention or nominations can be submitted from the convention floor. Statewide officer terms are for one year and begin Oct. 1, 2016, and run through Sept. 30, 2017. Officers may hold the same office for two consecutive years. President Ross Hailey of District 58 is not seeking re-election this year.
GENERAL TREASURER
PRESIDENT
Drewery
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 has been a member of SEANC for 33 years. He currently serves as First Vice President. He is a veteran and served six years in the Army National Guard. He is a Grifton resident.
Martin
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Evans
Gloria Evans of District 65 is the current Second Vice President. She has been a SEANC member and state employee for 14 years. She works at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. She holds a degree from Martin Community College. She is a Greenville resident.
Thomas
McLaurin
Chevella Thomas of District 27 is a 31-year member of SEANC and retired as an Accountant in the Division of Administration and Finance in the Comptroller Department with 33 years of service. She holds bachelors' degrees in accounting and management and a master’s degree in information sciences from N.C. Central as well. She resides in Durham.
STATEWIDE EMPAC CHAIRMAN
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Darius McLaurin is chairman of District 40. He has been a SEANC member for 10 years and has worked for the state for 23 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Johnson C. Smith University. He is a Raleigh resident.
Marilyn Jean Martin is chairwoman of District 12 and retired from the Department of Public Safety with 34 years of state service. She has been a SEANC member for 35 years. Martin holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.
Smith
Tony Smith, a District 5 member, is a 22-year state employee and SEANC member. He is the current statewide EMPAC Chairman. Smith is a Maintenance Supervisor IV for the Department of Public Safety. He is a Morganton resident.
Bylaws amendments to be decided at convention SEANC’s Bylaws Committee met on July 20 to discuss proposed amendments passed at district meetings. Eleven were passed by the committee and will be voted on at the convention. Delegates will decide on: • Amendments to increase membership dues to maintain the financial stability of SEANC. • An amendment to clarify membership privileges to include active and retired members being permitted to work for SEANC on a temporary or part-time basis for special projects. • An amendment stating that the SEANC Chief Financial Officer will report directly to the Executive Director and the Board of Governors with daily oversight by the Executive Director. • Amendments necessary for the Audit Committee to assist the President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer in the oversight of all SEANC financial matters; revise the designation/election of officers who were elected by the
6
THE REPORTER • September 2016
SEANC membership; clarify that all members of the committee will have financial-related experience, not just at-large members, and to provide for 12 members with staggered terms. • An amendment to rename the Youth Council to Emerging Leaders Council and delete the age restriction. Renaming the council allows for a new branding effort to welcome any and all interested persons in this association who would like to become a leaders. A name change will better reflect the council's new purpose. • An amendment to hold a convention every other year beginning October 1, 2020. Districts could use their funds for more local outreach programs, membership activities and membership training. • An amendment based on the need to receive all amendments in time for the State Bylaws Advisory Committee to have time to prepare for the July Board of Governors meeting.
ANC CONVENTION What’s Happening @ Convention 2016!
• Elect statewide SEANC officers.
• Decide the fate of bylaws amendments that will shape the future of the organization. • Determine SEANC’s Top 10 Policy Platform Objectives. • Enjoy the Saturday evening “A Night With The SEANC Stars” banquet, when officers will be inducted and SEANC awards will be presented.* • Take part in the N.C. Spin live show on issues facing state employees and retirees. • Donate to the community service project to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.* *Participation in all banquets and the community service project is optional for attendees.
CASH RAFFLE!
Convention Delegate Checklist
GRAND PRIZE $6,000
Get a jump start on convention activities. Visit seanc.org/the-33rdannual-seanc-convention for more information.
FIRST PRIZE $3,000
o Study the proposed policy platform objectives and bylaws amendments up for consideration. o Bring funds to donate to the SEANC Make-A-Wish Foundation through the community service project. o Find out more about special events. o Study the list of statewide candidates. Do you have questions about convention? Contact Alicia Miller, CMP, at amiller@seanc.org 919-833-6436 or 800-222-2758.
SECOND PRIZE $1,000
Tickets $1 State Employees Association of North Carolina Thanks to your generosity, this year SEANC awarded 47 scholarships totaling $38,500!
ng Drawi 016 . 10, 2
Sept(Do noesent net toedwtoin) be pr
THE REPORTER • September 2016
7
MEMBERS IN ACTION
BUNCOMBE COUNTY BLITZ
One week, ten stops, a barbecue food truck and 90 new members sum up SEANC's fantastic week in Buncombe County. Ten stops were made across the county at the Children's Developmental Services Agency, Department of Environmental Quality, Community Corrections, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the Asheville Department of Motor Vehicles. In addition to making stops at state agency offices, SEANC greeted members with breakfast at Dunkin Donuts in Swannanoa, provided lunch via Appalachian Smoke BBQ food truck across from the Black Mountain Neuro Medical Treatment Center and wrapped up the week with a "40 and Under" event at Bonfire BBQ. SEANC sends a special thanks to District 2 members for their hard work, ensuring a successful week. Thanks to everyone in Buncombe County who made us feel so welcome. Photography by Amanda Wise
8
THE REPORTER • September 2016
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. ■
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
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.
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
Add more playtime to your day. Get Loan Advance funds fast & easy! Access your SECU lines of credit at your convenience through secure Member Access at ncsecu.org.
(919) 865-2572
Doug Sutton
www.ncsecu.org
Insurance Services
later, later, later, later, later,
Providing quality and affordable insurance to SEANC members for over 30 years.
family, support, future
now
We appreciate doing business with you! There’s no need to put it off. Colonial Life can help provide you financial protection — and the people who depend on you. Our affordable Universal and Whole Life Insurance gives you the flexibility and coverage you need. To learn more about our special offers please call 1-888-SEANC4U toll free or email 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
Accident • Disability • Life • Cancer and Critical Illness • Hospital Confinement Indemnity © 2013 Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company. Colonial Life products are underwritten by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, for which Colonial Life is the marketing brand. Products may vary by state and may not be available in all states. Exclusions and limitations may apply. Contact a Colonial Life benefits counselor for complete details.
THE REPORTER • September 2016
9
ELECTION 2016
HOW HERE? did we get
Editor's Note: EMPAC endorsed Dale Folwell, CPA, for the office of State Treasurer in April. Here he lays out his case for your support in November.
I
n July, the State Treasurer released annual performance figures for your pension fund. They showed the plan’s rate of return was less than 1 percent for the period. The plan’s assumed rate of return of 7.5 percent has not been achieved on average for the past 15-year period!
Why does this matter? State employees are relying on the pension and health care plans to fulfill the financial promises made to them when they retire. The ability to fulfill those promises is based on the plans being able to produce enough income (rate of return) to pay out retirement benefits to state employees, educators, firefighters and others. Adding to the strain of the plan’s poor performance is the fact that people are living longer and investment fees paid to Wall Street are in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year. Often state pensioners will actually be retired longer than they work. This is evident by the fact that last year the state paid out $2 billion more than it took in. This trend is unsustainable. It will result in a plan that was once 110-percent funded, but is now approaching an 85-percent funded rate in the near future.
Not an insurmountable challenge. This is not the first time that I’ve been presented with a challenge that
10
THE REPORTER • September 2016
seemed insurmountable. In 2013, I was asked to lead the Division of Employment Security (DES) as the N.C. Assistant Secretary of Commerce. That year our unemployment system was ranked 52nd in the United States for quality and service, behind even Guam and Puerto Rico. Making matters worse, it was $2.7 billion in debt to the federal government with resulting surcharges being paid by North Carolina businesses of $600 million a year. When I arrived at DES the waste, fraud and abuse was astonishing. For example, I found a phone line to nowhere that cost $24,000 a month as well as a magazine subscription that cost $4,500 a year. If the waste, fraud and abuse I find as Treasurer totals only 1 percent, then that will free up $1 billion dollars that can be used to assure that promises are kept to state employees as well as provide funding for other important state functions like education.
Where are we going? I’ve spent my entire career raising my hand to volunteer for the toughest jobs and not letting anything get between me and my work. We are blessed with the best state workers in the country. Perhaps the question should not be “how did we get here?” but “where are we going?” As your next Treasurer, together we are going to attack problems, not people, find solutions and get results for the state’s employees who are also taxpayers. Citizens often thank you for being public servants. As we approach the November election, it’s important that
you know that it’s the next N.C. Treasurer, not the President, who is going to make the biggest difference in your life. That’s the reason I want to make three promises to you.
Dale Folwell, CPA NC State Treasurer Candidate
My three promises to you: 1. From the time I’m sworn in, until the end of my first term, we will reduce investment fees by at least $100 million. 2. We will put the State Health Plan in a position to recommend the freezing of family premiums for four years, encouraging state employees to remain in the state plan and giving them financial certainty that their health care premiums will remain stable. 3. I will never accept outside compensation or responsibility that takes one ounce of energy away from the task you and other voters entrusted me to accomplish. Please show this to your friends and family, because I’m not only asking for your vote and support, but the votes and support of your friends and family. I look forward to serving you as the next N.C. Treasurer.
PUBLIC POLICY
2016 Legislative Results Longevity pay saved, secured small pay increase • Retained longevity pay • 1.5% across the board pay raise • 0.5% across the board bonus • 1% merit bonus (no structure for awarding these increases was laid out in the budget) One-time bonus for retirees • 1.6% one time bonus instead of a true COLA. For the average retiree receiving $25,000 annually from the system, the bonus will amount to around $380 before taxes are taken out. Stopped harmful changes to the State Health Plan • Elimination of 80/20 plan stopped by SEANC • Plans to eliminate spousal coverage stopped • Changes in benefits and costs are coming in 2017 Ensured retirement security, funding • Full funding of the retirement system for the sixth year in a row by a legislative (employer) contribution of 9.15 percent to the Retirement System • Ensured continuation of the defined benefit retirement plan for current and future state retirees Exposed privatization efforts at DOT • Brought to light attempted mass privatization in the Department of Transportation. SEANC worked to amend the House budget to stop outsourcing until DOT could show cost savings. The Senate never took up the amendment so DOT can move forward with their outsourcing without showing proof of actual savings to the taxpayers. Stopped attempt to take away retiree rights and set minimum retirement age • A bill that would have taken away a retiree's right to have dues, insurance premiums and PAC donations deducted from their pension check, as well as set a minimum retirement age of 55 for all future employees came before a House committee. SEANC was able to amend a bill in committee to remove the harmful provisions on payroll deduction and minimum retirement age.
Results by the • House bills reviewed by SEANC: 206 Numbers • Senate bills reviewed by SEANC: 208 • Committee meetings covered: 223 Ensured freedom in supplemental insurance choice • Fought off an attempt to move decisions on which supplemental insurance products employees could choose from agency committees to a centralized committee and to take SEANC's payroll deduction slot for sale of insurance products. The bill was never heard in committee despite backing from members of Senate leadership. Thwarted attempt to change hiring statutes • A change in a technical corrections bill would have taken the word "most" out in front of "qualified candidate" in a statute on state employee hiring. Taking out "most" would allow the governor or any other hiring manager to hire anyone they deemed qualified for a job, even if there were a state employee seeking the job who was more qualified. In essence, taking out that one word changes all of the hiring practices of state government.
BIGGEST THREATS FOR NEXT SESSION • Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR) has come in many different forms of legislations throughout the past five years. Undoubtedly, this will be introduced next session in some form or fashion. TABOR would require a constitutional amendment that would cap the state's income tax rate at 5.5%. While this may seem like a good thing, it will negatively affect those who make the least (the vast majority of state employees) as well as the vital services that state employees provide. It would be unlikely that current or retired state employees would see pay raises or cost-of-living adjustments if this were to pass. • Transitioning from the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (pension) to a Defined Contribution Plan (401k). • Privatization in all of its forms. • Taking of dues deduction rights. THE REPORTER • September 2016 11
Periodical Postage PAID Raleigh, NC 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609
EMPAC Announces Council of State Endorsements The statewide committee of EMPAC, the political arm of the State Employees Association of North Carolina, announced in early August its endorsements for nine Council of State seats. In addition to endorsing Roy Cooper for governor, EMPAC’s endorsed candidates are: • Linda Coleman for Lieutenant Governor • Dale Folwell for State Treasurer • Josh Stein for Attorney General • Elaine Marshall for Secretary of State • Beth Wood for State Auditor • June Atkinson for State Superintendent of Public Instruction • Steve Troxler for Commissioner of Agriculture • Wayne Goodwin for Commissioner of Insurance • Charles Meeker for Commissioner of Labor
All candidates for each office were invited to take part in an extensive interview process, which concluded on July 30. EMPAC’s Statewide Committee then voted on the endorsements.
Linda Coleman was endorsed last year for the office of Lieutenant Governor. A longtime SEANC member and advocate for state employees and retirees, Coleman came within 7,000 votes of making history in the 2012 Lieutenant Governor race. She would be the first African-American female to hold the position if she wins her rematch with incumbent Dan Forest. EMPAC voted in April to endorse Dale Folwell for the Treasurer’s office. Controlling more than $90 billion in retirement investments through the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System as well as the State Health Plan, the treasurer perhaps is the single-most important position on the Council for state employees and retirees. Folwell has pledged to put an end to extravagant fees being paid to Wall Street managers through the retirement fund.
Linda Coleman for Lieutenant Governor
Dale Folwell for State Treasurer
Josh Stein for Attorney General
Elaine Marshall for Secretary of State
Beth Wood for State Auditor
June Atkinson for State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Steve Troxler for Commissioner of Agriculture
Wayne Goodwin for Commissioner of Insurance
Charles Meeker for Commissioner of Labor