According to a report from the News & Observer, the N.C. Senate will likely release its budget proposal on Monday.

Now is the time to tell your senator why they must invest in pay raises for state employees and a true cost-of-living adjustment for retirees. Click below to take action!

Unlike the Governor's proposal, which came out last month, the Senate's proposal carries significant weight in the budget debate. Your pay raises, cost-of-living adjustments, possible position cuts, and privatization efforts are on the table.

The N&O report also states that this year's Senate budget will call for significant policy changes, including much of the DAVE Act, Senate Leader Phil Berger's proposal to ask the State Auditor to assess the need for vacant positions in agencies and the need for the agencies themselves.

Position cuts will worsen the situation for already overworked employees due to the huge vacancy rate in state government.

This is the best time to stand up. Once the budget is proposed, there will likely be little time for debate before it's passed by the Senate next week.

On this week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast, our team discussed the Senate's budget proposal, the DAVE Act, and potential changes to SHRA status for employees at the State Auditor's office. You can listen by clicking one of the services below. If you have questions or comments for the podcast, email us at podcast@seanc.org.