This week, we are joined by State Health Plan Executive Administrator Thomas Friedman for an in-depth look at the challenges facing the Plan and its 750,000-plus members. We discuss the ongoing negotiations with CVS Caremark and the expected premium increases for next year.  Also, we touch on the pressing issues of high healthcare costs and the need for transparency, and Friedman shares the plan's strategies to make healthcare more affordable for state employees and retirees.

In this episode of the SEANC View podcast, we discuss the ongoing state budget negotiations and the critical issues facing state employees, including delayed raises and potential mini budgets. We also discuss changes to the SHRA Protections bill. We also explore the financial pressures on the University of North Carolina system, detailing administrative changes and personnel challenges within UNC-Chapel Hill. Finally, we take a light-hearted turn, sharing stories from the NC Zoo, including a special feature on Annie, the adorable bison with allergies, and fond memories of visiting the zoo.

With the House and Senate still at odds over their tax plans, a new state budget likely won't be passed in time for the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. This week, the SEANC team discusses the implications of lawmakers leaving Raleigh at the end of the month without a deal in place. State functions and paychecks will continue without a new budget, but proposed raises will not be added until a deal is reached. House Speaker Destin Hall says they are committed to promptly getting state employees and teachers raises, so he’s also keeping that in mind. We also look at the ongoing dispute between the State Health Plan and CVS Caremark.

In this Did You Know episode, SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins delves into the challenges faced by retirees in North Carolina, part of the Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS), one of the largest in the country. Despite its size and strong asset-to-liability ratios, the retirement benefits lag behind the national average, impacting the financial well-being of those who served the state. We explore the reasons behind the shortfall and why it's crucial for the state to prioritize its retirees, who have dedicated their careers to public service. Listen to understand the significance of the 19-click difference in the retirement formula compared to the national average and how it's costing retirees up to 10% in monthly benefits. Additionally, learn about the lack of cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) that further deepen the gap. Discover how you can advocate for change and support your local legislators in addressing this critical issue to ensure that the people who have long served the community receive the retirement benefits they deserve.

In this edition, host Jonathan Owens, along with Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley, and Sam Cline, dive into the ongoing budget discussions happening behind closed doors at the North Carolina legislature. Will the budget be wrapped up on time before the fiscal deadline? We explore the possibilities and the nuances involved in this critical process. Meanwhile, we take a fascinating detour into the world of generational insights as we recap the recent Gen Z and millennial-focused episode, highlighting how these young listeners are shaping conversations around public service. Tune in to learn about the evolving perceptions of public service careers, the challenges and rewards they bring, and why they matter more than ever in today's world.

Join us for the premiere episode of our new series, SEANC Voices, where we delve into the dynamic world of state employee advocacy. In this episode, we sit down with Kirk Montgomery, the President of SEANC, to discuss his experiences navigating the political landscape as both a state and local government employee. President Montgomery shares insights from his tenure, discusses the importance of legal protections for state workers, and highlights the urgent need for younger generations to step forward and lead. This conversation offers a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities facing the organization and its members. Whether you're a state employee, retiree, or someone interested in organizational leadership, this episode contains enlightening perspectives and forward-thinking strategies. Don't miss this engaging discussion on standing strong for state employees' rights and the future of SEANC.