On this episode of The SEANC View, the hosts and lobbyist Flint Benson break down the upcoming legislative short session, focusing on whether lawmakers will finalize a budget and how it could affect pay, pensions, and the state health plan. They also discuss Treasurer Brad Briner’s expansion of AI tools and the transparency and privacy concerns tied to public-sector use. Other topics include the long-running Lake retiree health case, workforce vacancies that strain state services, and how SEANC plans to engage members through Lobby Day and election efforts. The episode closes with a Gen Z moment celebrating the successful Artemis II splashdown and North Carolina astronaut milestones.

State Auditor Dave Boliek joins the SEANC View podcast to discuss the January lapse salary report, the need for transparency and truth in budgeting, and how audits inform hiring, corrections funding, DMV operations, and contract oversight. He also discusses the auditor's office use of technology and AI, plans for a bonds dashboard and periodic audits (including the $650M Charlotte stadium bond), and upcoming work on hurricane long-term recovery and contract metrics to hold public and private partners accountable.

Thomas Friedman, Executive Administrator of the State Health Plan, joins The SEANC View podcast to explain the Lantern program, a new preferred-provider and tiered-access model designed to lower costs for members while improving quality and access. We also discuss the recently approved preferred tiers by the State Health Plan Board of Trustees, efforts to protect rural access, early program results, and plans to negotiate better pricing with providers. The conversation also touches on contract changes, the push for transparency and competition, and how these steps aim to reduce premiums and preserve funds for employee raises and retiree benefits, while keeping participation voluntary and focused on member choice.

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Suzanne Beasley and producer Samantha Cline discuss the week’s biggest story: Senate leader Phil Berger’s surprise primary concession to Sam Page and the ensuing scramble for Senate leadership. We also break down new revenue forecasts that trigger a personal income tax cut, the resulting budget gap, and what a compressed short session could mean for state services, pay raises, and infrastructure funding. The episode also covers upcoming advocacy plans (Lobby Day on May 6), recent member events like Cherry Hospital, lighter personal moments, and the hosts’ takeaways for state employees and retirees.

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, and Suzanne Beasley discuss Governor Josh Stein’s proposed critical needs budget and its impact on state employees and retirees; the sustainability and transparency issues facing the State Health Plan; debates over Aetna and Lantern’s surgery network; and rising prescription costs. They also cover upcoming veto override votes, primary election recounts, and what to expect in the short legislative session.

Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, and Sammy Cline break down North Carolina’s unresolved Senate District 26 recount, Governor Stein’s new “critical needs” budget targeting raises for correctional officers, teachers, and state staff, and the $319M Medicaid rebase request. We also discuss expanding the Lantern surgical program for state employees, Gen Z’s shifting political identity, the Ticketmaster antitrust fight, and a light St. Patrick’s Day conversation.