Hosts break down the newly signed state budget — what the 3% raise really means, why raises and bonuses are delayed, and how step pay plans affect probation, parole, and correctional staff. They also cover retiree reactions and the controversy over who receives bonuses. The episode previews the State Health Plan Board meeting, reviews the Public Workforce Modernization Act (including extended parental leave), answers Facebook viewer questions, and asks listeners how they would spend a proposed $1 billion for state needs. Send your answers to podcast@seanc.org  

This week, we break down the newly passed state budget: modest 3% raises for most state employees, targeted larger increases for law enforcement and corrections, bonuses for workers and retirees, and concerns about cuts and hundreds of vacant positions. The episode discusses rising state health plan costs, the $1 billion left unappropriated (and speculation about public funding for a sports team), member outrage, and the importance of voting and civic involvement ahead of the November election.

In this episode, Dr. Brian Miller — hospitalist, policy advisor, and vice chair of the North Carolina State Health Plan Board — explores why health care is so expensive and what can be done about it. We discuss hospital consolidation and the Atrium–WakeMed merger, steering and preferred provider strategies, income‑adjusted premiums, price transparency, drug costs, and practical steps the state health plan is taking to lower costs and protect members.

State Treasurer Brad Briner joins the SEANC View podcast to explain how the pension reached a record $148.3 billion, discuss recent investment moves, including AI stakes like Anthropic, and explain why the office passed on buying part of the Carolina Hurricanes. He also covers portfolio changes, timber holdings, and efforts to improve returns for retirees and taxpayers.  The conversation addresses health plan challenges, recent Medicare Advantage cost adjustments for retirees, transparency around fees and holdings, and broader initiatives—from power affordability to America 250 outreach—that affect state employees and retirees. 

This week, we start with Raleigh's Stanley Cup fever before diving into state politics and budget delays that are stalling lawmakers. The episode examines rising healthcare costs for retirees, the controversial Atrium–WakeMed merger and its impact on competition and patient bills. Also covered: disputes over early voting sites at Western Carolina University, community vs. campus tensions, plus lighter culture segments on Taylor Swift, Toy Story 5, concert ticket prices, and mental health concerns.

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley, and Sammy Cline discuss the latest on the state budget, workforce reforms, and staffing challenges across North Carolina government. Also, we discussed 'Pension Fight Club,' a first-of-its-kind investigative documentary about the threat to public pensions across the country, which features Watkins among dozens of pension leaders, board members, and advocates demanding greater transparency and accountability. We also cover a tragic child welfare case prompting oversight, the state auditor’s planned review of the Opportunity Scholarship program, pension gains and COLA prospects, and a debate over social media and AI protections for minors.