The state budget debate has officially moved to the legislature after Gov. Josh Stein released his proposal. The N.C. Senate will be the first to release its proposal this year, which is expected very soon.

Now is the time to contact Senate Appropriations Chairs and tell them why they must invest in pay raises for state employees and a true cost-of-living adjustment for retirees.

Senate Appropriations Chairs

Sen. Ralph Hise

(919) 733-3460

Ralph.Hise@ncleg.gov

Sen. Brent Jackson

(919) 733-5705

Brent.Jackson@ncleg.gov

Sen. Michael Lee

(919) 715-2525

Michael.Lee@ncleg.gov

This week, bills filed at State Treasurer Brad Briner's request would move the state retirement system from a sole fiduciary model to management by a board of appointees similar to the State Health Plan. The North Carolina Investment Authority (NCIA) would have oversight over state funds and investment strategies, including the option to invest up to 5% of the funds under its control in digital assets like Bitcoin.

SEANC will work to protect the retirement security of employees and retirees as the bills progress through the legislature. We also demand that any modernization efforts for the retirement system include increased transparency and that high-risk investments such as Bitcoin be kept to a minimum.

Also, efficiency efforts from the governor, the House, and the Senate are now on the table, as the NC Senate Leader Phil Berger proposed the DAVE Act on Monday. Senate Bill 474 would create a Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency within State Auditor Dave Boliek's office that would produce a report by the end of the year identifying which state agencies and positions could be dissolved.

Our team discussed the DAVE Act on this week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast. We also updated the state budget debate and discussed the perception of public employees. 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.