With the legislature scrambling to beat its third self-imposed deadline of Sept. 18 for a state budget, SEANC lobbyists are keeping a close watch on several aspects of the budget yet to be decided.

If you’ll recall, last week lawmakers announced plans for a $750 bonus for state employees. That’s basically the only issue among many that has been decided, and even it’s “written in pencil,” according to some. SEANC Government Relations Director Ardis Watkins appeared on Capitol Tonight this week to discuss the raises.

But that means Department of Transportation employees and teaching assistants, among others, are having to operate with the uncertainty of being laid off.  A cost-of-living adjustment for retirees has not yet been agreed upon between the two chambers either, even though investment gains would pay for a 1-percent increase without costing the state a dime.

The House’s proposal for 40 hours of bankable bonus leave is also on the table. SEANC asked members to send in their plans for the leave should it be awarded, and lobbyists have been sharing those responses with legislators all week. These decisions are being discussed behind closed doors, though, so it’s still hard to know if the leave will be granted.

The horse trading negotiations have begun for sure, and you never know what will be thrown in. Bills that have been stuck in committee for over nine months often seem to find their way into the budget at times like these.

That’s why it’s even more important than ever that you contact your legislator now! The fight is not over but the noise amongst the walls of the General Assembly says that the final budget will be rolled out in the coming week. Once this measure takes place there is little to no chance for it being changed or delayed. We still have time but the window of opportunity is steadily closing.

Contact your legislators

Now is the time for you to contact your lawmakers. Make your voice heard on the need for all state employees to receive a pay raise and all retirees to receive a cost-of-living increase. We need all hands on deck. Help your legislators put a face to state employees, SEANC and their constituents. Not sure who your legislators are? Click here.  Curious whether they were endorsed by EMPAC? Click here. Want to make note of all of SEANC’s legislative priorities before talking to them? Click here.

SEANC staff can also help you schedule meetings with your lawmakers and make sure you have the most up-to-date information possible about SEANC’s legislative priorities, so you can have a good and productive conversation. All you have to do is let us know you’re coming. Just email tbooe@seanc.org or call 800-222-2758.

Can’t make it to Raleigh? No problem. You can call, write or email your legislators – or even schedule your own time to meet with them in your hometown. Again, you can find your lawmakers and their contact information here.