Toni Davis

On March 20, Gov. Pat McCrory released his first budget, a $20.6 billion document containing a 1-percent pay raise and a 1-percent retiree cost-of-living adjustment.

Overall, SEANC is optimistic that as the state economy continues to improve, legislative leaders will recognize the need to fund public services.

"My fellow SEANC members, please remember the governor's budget is the first step in the budget process and that nothing is final," President Sidney M. Sandy said of the budget. "We are working tirelessly with lawmakers to maintain vital pubic functions performed by our members."

Jobs and Pay

The greatest concern in Gov. McCrory's budget for SEANC members is the plan to shutter five prisons — Wayne, Duplin, Bladen and Robeson correctional institutions and Western Youth Institution. In response, SEANC continues to meet with lawmakers and Department of Public Safety officials to plead our case and ensure that our neighborhoods and citizens are kept safe.

On the brighter side, the proposal also contained hundreds of new positions in the Department of Public Safety, including new probation and parole officers, post-release supervision and drug court positions to monitor felons after they leave state prison. There are also new positions proposed to re-establish the state's drug courts.

This budget marks the second in a row that state employees are poised to receive a modest raise. In addition to a 1-percent pay increase for all state employees, the governor's budget contains provisions to maintain longevity pay and $20 million for a salary adjustment reserve.

The Budget Process

The governor's budget begins the annual process of funding state government. After reviewing McCrory's budget, the N.C. House and the N.C. Senate will draft and vote on their individual budgets, then negotiate and vote on a compromise budget. The General Assembly's budget is then presented to the governor for his signature. The goal of the legislature is to have a new budget passed prior to July 1, 2013, when the new state fiscal year begins. This year the state Senate has its turn to craft the budget first.

Your Role 

SEANC is continuing an ongoing dialogue and working with North Carolina's General Assembly leaders as the budget process continues to unfold. If you want to express your opinion on the state budget to lawmakers, call the General Assembly at 919-733-4111.

tdavis@seanc.org