The state Senate released its proposed 2014-15 budget late last night, turning its back on state employees and retirees, doing nothing to improve upon the small pay increase offered by the governor, and lowering the already small recommended retiree cost-of-living adjustment.

Now, with the Senate poised to rush through this spending plan in the coming days, SEANC needs you to make your voice heard by calling your senators today to tell them they need to do more to value public services and the people providing them.

The Senate's $21.2 billion budget includes a salary increase of only $809, plus the mandated employer contribution of 6 percent for retirement and the employer taxes that are required by law.

Even more outrageous, the Senate's spending plan includes only a 0.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment for retirees – less than the 1.9 percent proposed by Gov. Pat McCrory.

SEANC also is disappointed the Senate chose not to give the $22 million in savings from the State Health Plan back to members in the form of lower premiums and the elimination of punitive wellness surcharges, and instead would use that money to pay for a punitive teacher pay plan that would weaken their employee rights.

Among the many other troubling provisions in the Senate's proposal are:

• A $10.2 million cut from state Division of Public Health, including the closure of four Children’s Developmental Services Agencies by Jan. 1, 2015
   
• The possibility of the expansion of private maintenance contracts to additional prison facilities, despite a report from the Department of Public Safety showing that such privatization could not be done as effectively or efficiently as state employees

This is the second step in the budget process, and while nothing is final, now is the time for all SEANC members to make their voices heard. 

As the Senate prepares to vote on this budget, let them know that you are angry. As the House prepares to receive it, let them know that you expect better.

Tell your legislators that state employees deserve a $1,500 raise in base salary, plus the required increases in benefits. Tell them it is up to them to find the money, but that it should not be taken out of your State Health Plan. And finally, tell them that teachers should not be treated better than other state employees.

If you do not know who your legislators are or how to reach them, click here or call 919-733-4111. Call today.

It is only together that we can continue to advocate for public services and the people who provide them. And as we continue through this process, we invite and encourage you to come join our professional lobbyists at the General Assembly and make your voices heard to your legislators.