Winter 2022 Reporter by SEANC

Winter 2022 • Volume 40, Issue 2

THE

REPORTER

State Employees Association of North Carolina

SEANC secures pay raises, bonuses for employees and retirees Legislators and Gov. Roy Cooper agreed on a budget in November that included much-needed raises and bonuses for state employees and a supplement for retirees. SEANC members' hard work paid off in this budget. Just before it was released, the lead House budget writer Rep. Jason Saine told the media that he had been "bombarded" with calls and emails from state employees and retirees who wanted the budget passed as soon as possible. SEANC successfully lobbied to get raises for all state employees, including those university and community college employees who had not seen a pay increase in three years. We were also able to extend the $15 per hour minimum wage we won for most state employees in 2018 to community college and non-certified school personnel. We also fought for retirees to get the respect they deserved this session, and those efforts paid off with a supplement that is MUCH higher than any of the three original proposals. The budget also includes huge changes for correctional employees. It creates a pay plan for correctional officers and probation and parole officers — a move we have pushed for years — as well as the creation of a new cabinet-level agency for corrections. And we cannot overstate that returning funds used for COVID to the State Health Plan and fully funding it for another year is a huge win. We never want to see a situation where raises get eaten up by increases in health care costs, and this move prevents that. The raises are retroactive to July 1, 2021, and employees will be paid for the extra salary missed because of the delay in the budget. Most of the bonuses were paid in the December paychecks. Thank you for your membership in SEANC. As you can see, it matters.

A BIG WIN for SEANC! 2021 Legislative Victories » 5% pay increase over the biennium for most state employees (paid retroactively to July 1, 2021), including: • University and community college employees. • Non-certified public school employees. » Minimum wage increase for non-certified school employees to $13 per hour in 2021 and $15 per hour in 2022. » 5% one-time supplement over the biennium for retirees (2% in 2021 and 3% in 2022). » One time $1,000 bonus for all state employees and local education employees. » Additional $500 bonus for: • Employees earning less than $75,000. • All law enforcement officers. • Workers in the Department of Public Safety, Correction, and Juvenile Justice with job duties requiring frequent in-person contact. • Department of Health and Human Services workers in 24-hour residential or treatment facilities. » The creation of a separate cabinet-level agency for adult and community corrections. » An experience-based step pay plan for correctional officers that would result in an average raise of 7%. » An experience-based pay plan for probation and parole officers that would result in an average raise of 17%. » $5.2 million earmarked specifically to address wage compression issues for Department of Public Safety employees not included in the new step pay plans. » 16.38% employer funding for retirement and other related benefits in 2021 and 17.07% in 2022. » Reimbursement of COVID related expenses the State Health Plan incurred between March 2020 and March 2021. » No State Health Plan premium increase for the fourth consecutive year.

RETIREE FOCUS RETIREES: Tax season is coming — Here’s what

orbit.myncretirement.com

From the N.C. Department of State Treasurer

Choosing Income Tax Withholding Preferences

YOU NEED TO KNOW Each year it’s important to log in to your ORBIT account to review and make any beneficiary and tax withholding changes that you deem necessary. Use ORBIT to access your 1099 or W-2 tax forms. Otherwise, paper versions of these documents were mailed out to the address we have on file for you on Jan. 31, 2022. If you decide to wait for your paper tax form, please be sure to allow seven to ten business days to receive the form by mail. State Taxes: Unless you specify a monthly withholding rate or amount for state taxes, your pension account will default to the rate of “single” with zero allowances. This means that more money may be deducted from your benefit payment each month if you do not log in to ORBIT and designate your withholding preferences. If you have already designated a withholding preference or are exempt from paying state taxes, no action is required. Federal Taxes: Unless you specify a monthly withholding rate or amount for federal taxes, your pension account will default to the rate of “married” with three allowances. If you have

already designated a withholding preference, no action is required.

Minimum Tax Withholding

You may elect to have federal and/or North Carolina income tax withheld or not withheld from your retirement benefit. Your election will remain in effect until you revoke it. You may also change your election online at any time during the year by logging into your personal, secure ORBIT account and following the instructions to change your tax withholding. An election or revocation received by the tenth of the month will be effective that month. If a change is not received by the tenth, it will likely be effective the next month. If you are in the process of retiring and using our online retirement application, you will make your tax withholding elections as a part of the process. Still having trouble understanding what tax withholdings are and how to determine your filing status? The IRS explains tax withholding concepts further on their website: irs.gov/ individuals/employees/tax-withholding.

THE

REPORTER

State Employees Association of NC 1621 Midtown Place • Raleigh, NC 27609 919-833-6436 • 800-222-2758 • www.seanc.org

Jonathan Owens, Editor-In-Chief • Beth Dew, Managing Editor

1. Login to ORBIT. If you have not used ORBIT before, you will need to register by clicking on the “Register” button on the same page. To complete the registration, you need to supply your Social Security number, birth date, and the net pay from your most recent benefit payment. 2. Once logged in, click on the tab “Maintain Tax Withholding Election” tile on the Retiree “Welcome” screen. 3. Click on the link “Change your current tax withholding for this account?” near the bottom of the page. 4. Enter the changes you would like to make and click “Save.” 5. If you are in the process of applying for benefits, and using the retirement application, you will be making your tax withholding elections as a part of the process.

2022 RETIREE PAY DATES Dates pension checks are direct deposited to your bank account or checks are mailed:

February 25 March 25 April 25 May 25 June 24 July 25

August 25 September 23 October 25 November 23 December 22

Contact N.C. Retirement Systems at 877-627-3287 with address updates, questions about your retirement check or deductions.

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. © Copyright 2022 SEANC. All rights reserved.

THE REPORTER • Winter 2022

The Reporter, USPS 009-852 (ISSN 1069 2142), is published six times a year in the months of November, February, May, and August 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.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT By Beth Dew

REACHING FOR THE

NEXT GENERATION

District 2 Vice Chairman Nick Fowler, 31, credits SEANC for his professional advancement and personal success, and Nick Fowler thinks more young state employees should take advantage of all SEANC has to offer. Born and raised near Asheville, Fowler was brought up to value faith and service. He recalls, "By the time I was nine years old, I knew I wanted a career in law enforcement." After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's degree in Executive Leadership, Fowler began his state career in 2015 as a probation officer in Rutherford County. He met fellow probation officer and SEANC Past President Jimmy Davis, who encouraged him to join SEANC. "At the time, I was young and focused on my new career. I didn't realize the importance of joining SEANC and how much it would enhance my life," he said. "A few years later, Jimmy hit me up again and brought District 2 Chairman Cliff Johnson. They explained the valuable services SEANC provides state employees and retirees. The more I learned about all the great things SEANC does, the more I wanted to support and be a part of it," he said.

JOINING A FAMILY

After joining SEANC in 2018, Fowler discovered a diverse community of dedicated state employees and retirees working to make things better for North Carolinians. "I appreciate how SEANC keeps me informed about what is going on in the state legislature. I learn about what bills are being considered and how if passed, they will impact my coworkers, family,

and friends. This allows me to make others aware of the bills so they can reach out to their legislators and make a positive change. Fowler says that SEANC membership has enriched his life in countless ways; such as, developing a network of peers and mentors, having access to valuable training tools, and community service opportunities. "You're not just a member of SEANC, you're family ... No one is greater than the other. We're all equal and that's what I like best. We're all one big family," Fowler said.

District 2 member John Burleson, Past President Wayne Fish, N.C. State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, Nick Fowler, and Western Region Representative Cliff Johnson together during the 2021 SEANC Annual Convention.

BUILDING LEADERSHIP SKILLS

SEANC's resources, programs and opportunities have contributed to Fowler's interest in developing leadership skills. As the current District 2 Vice Chairman and a member of the statewide Emerging Leaders Council, Fowler is a very active member. He also has served as a member on several district committees such as EMPAC, Policy Platform, and Bylaws. Fowler is currently assigned to work as a probation officer and drug treatment officer of the court, which is an intensive outpatient program that includes counseling and classes to help addicts successfully function and lead a fulfilling life without substance abuse. He has participated in the Apprehensive Capture Enforcement (ACE) Team, a task force to locate and apprehend

fugitives. In addition, he worked as a domestic violence officer.

RECRUITING YOUNG CO-WORKERS

Fowler believes it is critical to recruit more young members to keep SEANC running strong. He has observed that young state employees are not joining SEANC like they have in previous years. "New hires today don't understand how much SEANC membership impacts their careers and livelihoods," he said. The benefits that they enjoy today are due to the tremendous amount of time, effort, and dedication from SEANC's past leaders, members, and staff. "Without active state employees, SEANC will cease to exist and there will be no one to stand up for us," Fowler said. "SEANC members must reach out to their young coworkers to educate them about SEANC and tell them about how the association protects them." Fowler said, "Often the biggest hindrance to joining SEANC for new hires is the expense of the $14 a month membership dues." He tells them that "$14 is the cost of a couple of Starbucks' coffees. Membership dues pay for SEANC, the only organization, fighting for us. It's an amazing value," he said. Fowler is happily married to Cara (Hendricks) Fowler who is also a SEANC member and probation officer. They are proud parents of a Bluetick Coonhound named Jed and enjoy the outdoors.

THE REPORTER • Winter 2022

SEANC

scholarship applications NOW AVAILABLE!

Are you a SEANC member going to college? Do you have a son, daughter, legally adopted grandchild or a spouse going to college? Are you a retiree with a grandchild going to college? Then apply today for a scholarship from the SEANC Scholarship Foundation. Now is the time to work on your application for the 2022-23 academic year. Last year, the SEANC Scholarship Foundation and SEANC’s districts gave out more than $133,000 to help members, their spouses and their dependents attend either two- or four-year institutions. This year, you or somebody in your family could be one of those deserving winners! An application must be turned in to your district scholarship chairperson postmarked no later than April 15. To find an application and your district’s scholarship chairperson, visit seanc.org/scholarship. The scholarships awarded by the SEANC Scholarship Foundation and the individual districts are one of the association’s largest benefits for members. For more information, visit seanc.org/scholarship or contact Phyllis Byrd at (919)833-6436.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS APRIL 15 — GO TO SEANC.ORG/SCHOLARSHIP

In addition to the local scholarships offered by the districts, the SEANC Scholarship Foundation offers funding assistance in the following categories: Financial Need Winners are selected based on academic performance (40%), financial need (30%), community involvement (10%), personal statement (10%) and recommendations (10%). Merit Winners are selected based on academic performance (70%), community involvement (10%), personal statement (10%) and recommendations (10%). Member-Only Winners are selected based on recommendations (30%), SEANC service (20%), career objectives (20%), personal statement (20%) and community involvement (10%). Retiree Grandchild — Financial Need Winners are selected based on academic performance (40%), financial need (30%), community involvement (10%), personal statement (10%) and recommendations (10%). Retiree Grandchild — Merit Winners are selected based on academic performance (40%), financial need (30%), community involvement (10%), personal statement (10%) and recommendations (10%).

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THE REPORTER • Winter 2022

Doug Sutton

Insurance Services Providing quality and affordable insurance to SEANC members for over 40 years.

RETIRING SOON?

Contact the SEANC Office.

Your SEANC benefits do not stop on the day you retire. Please call us if we can be of service!

919-836-9993 or toll free:

Contact Carri Derrick at the SEANC Office at 800-222-2758 or cderrick@seanc.org to update your membership.

800-788-7771 We appreciate doing business with you! dougsutton@dougsuttonins.com

STATE PERSONNEL CASES:

PROTECTING STATE EMPLOYEE RIGHTS Representing State Employees in Grievances, Court of Appeals, and NC Office of Administrative Hearings ■ Disciplinary Appeals ■ Grievances /Just Cause ■ Exempt Designation ■ Health Care Registry

■ Whistleblower Cases ■ Dismissal Appeals ■ Law Enforcement Certification

State employees are good people. But even good people make mistakes — mistakes that violate your rights as a career employee, discriminate against you, or cost you a promotion or job.

EARLY DIRECT DEPOSIT Get paid a day early!

Set up direct deposit – it’s safe, it’s quick, it’s convenient. www.ncsecu.org Federally insured by NCUA

Early deposit is not guaranteed, verify your available balance before making or scheduling any payments.

I’ve practiced law for over 20 years, including 10 years as a Wake County district court judge. I’ve got the experience you need to guide you through your personnel case. If you have a grievance, disciplinary appeal, or any state employment matter, call (919) 624-5171 or email me at jennifer@jenniferknoxlaw.com.

The Law Office of Jennifer Knox

4600 Marriott Drive, Suite 200 ■ Raleigh, NC 27612 919-624-5171 ■ www.jenniferknoxlaw.com

THE REPORTER • Winter 2022

More than 70 employees from Rockingham Courthouse, Rockingham Community College, Rockingham County Schools, DOT, DMV, and Employment Security Commission took part in an Employment Appreciation Event sponsored by SEANC and District 17 at the courthouse on Nov. 17.

District 7 members and the staff of J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center (JIRDC) donated canned goods to help with Burke United Christian Ministries (BUCM) Thanksgiving meal. Pictured is District 7 Chairman Henry Belada.

SEANC and District 24 held an appreciation event on Dec. 9 at the DMV Call Center in Bladen County. They also visited Bladen County Courthouse and the N.C. Cooperative Extension.

District 16 collected items to be donated to two organizations in Winston-Salem on Nov. 29: Samaritan Ministries and Shepherd's Center. Pictured are District 16 members Joyce Crisp, Carolyn Perry, Angela Edwards, Cynthia Joel and District Chairman Willie Bailey.

After 6pm on Christmas Eve, District 2 delivered apples, mandarins, and cookies for 574 state employees working at 24/7 state agencies in District 2. Pictured above is District 2 Chairman and Western Region Representative Cliff Johnson.

THE REPORTER • Winter 2022

District 62 Holiday Donations. District 62 donated $200 each to two Title 1 schools in the area during November and December. Pictured from top, far left is Rachel Manning, Principal of Annie H. Snipes Academy of Arts and Design School in New Hanover County and District 62 member Sonia Jordan-Nobles. Pictured above in the middle photo is Dr. Jonathan Deberry, Principal of Town Creek Middle School with District 62 member Sonia Jordan-Nobles and District 62 Chairwoman Laura Overstreet. The district also provided Christmas presents for a mother of three pictured at right, and a father of one pictured top right who are state employees from New Hanover County Correctional Facility.

GALVIN CRISP

District 1 sponsored a drive-through appreciation breakfast for Western Carolina University employees on Oct. 21. Over 300 employees were fed! Pictured are District 1 member Ben Pendry, SEANC Public Education Chair Mark Dearmon, Western Regional Representative Cliff Johnson, District 1 member Jim Rowell and SEANC Member Relations Representative Johnny Davison.

SUZANNE BELADA

MEMBERS IN ACTION

District 3, as one of its monthly community service projects, donated $200 to Disabled American Veterans on Nov. 16. Pictured above is Charlie Norris, Past Commander of Watauga Chapter of DAV, accepting the check from District 3 Treasurer Teresa Canton as District 3 members Teresa Johnson, Pat Reighard, and Elizabeth Smythe look on.

District 10 member Ken Beaver was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in December for his career of service at the Department of Public Safety.

SEANC President Martha Fowler (in the middle) and Executive Director Ardis Watkins (at the right) had a productive meeting in December with Gov. Roy Cooper (at the left). Joined by OSHR Director Barbara Gibson and members of the governor’s staff, the group discussed ways to work together to improve the lives of state employees and retirees.

The Emerging Leaders Council held a Blanket and Sock Drive during the holidays. Pictured are Emerging Leaders Chair Carl Elliott, SEANC General Treasurer Emily Jones, and Shenita Lewis Martin.

Members of District 7 assembled 1,000 goodie bags to distribute to the staff at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton to spread holiday cheer!

District 65 adopted a family of six who experienced great loss due to a house fire. The district donated items such as toys, clothes, gift cards, and personal items. Pictured above are District 65 members Alicia Warren and LaRanda Boone. District 65 also provided breakfast for the East Carolina University Pediatric Clinic staff on Oct. 5. Five new members were recruited.

Districts 63 and 68 joined together to bless area senior citizens with 18 blankets and pillows for the holidays.

THE REPORTER • Winter 2022

Periodical Postage PAID Raleigh, NC 1621 Midtown Place Raleigh, NC 27609

Enjoy a new smile!

Sign up now to take advantage of SEANC’s newest insurance plan with DELTA DENTAL. Members can enjoy an expanded SEANC dental plan thanks to this new partnership. With three out of every five dentists in North Carolina and four out of five dentists nationwide, Delta Dental has the largest network in the state and across America. Members will also enjoy a lower premium rate and a 3-year rate guarantee. Another highlight of the new plan is expanded orthodontia coverage. Members have a $2,000 lifetime maximum benefit and there is no age limit for services. Contact a SEANC Insurance Specialist today at 1-800-222-2758 or visit: seanc.org/insurance/dental for more information.