This week's attention at the General Assembly focused on the Parents' Bill of Rights, with no floor votes taken by either chamber. SEANC's Government Relations team continued to meet with lawmakers on several issues, including pay raises, the retirement system, and prison safety.

The Senate Judiciary Committee met to start the confirmation process of Secretary Todd Ishee of the newly formed Department of Adult Correction. The House K-12 Education Committee and Senate Health Committee also met.

Several bills were filed this week of interest to state employees and retirees:

• House Bill 11/Senate Bill 62 would create boards of trustees for the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf, the North Carolina School for the Deaf, and the Governor Morehead School for the Blind.
• House Bill 46/Senate Bill 4 would make income received from state or local retirement plans exempt from state income tax.
• Senate Bill 46 attempts to end surprise billing tactics by healthcare providers.
• Senate Bill 48 would repeal Certificate of Need laws. This is an essential step in reining in health care costs.

In the news, SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins appeared in a Business NC story on changes coming to the State Employees Credit Union. State employees and retirees who are members of SECU have expressed skepticism to SEANC about the changes, which include a switch to risk-based lending.

SEANC has enjoyed a great working relationship with SECU for years, and Watkins said the credit union "is critical to the financial success of state employees." Risk-based lending "eliminates loan options for many state employees who may not make enough or don't have money to buy a car or a home."

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