Coming to you live from the 41st annual SEANC Convention in Greensboro, our team discusses Governor Josh Stein's fiery speech and updates from state leaders on health, employment, and retirement issues. More than 800 delegates are gathering this weekend to conduct the association's business, celebrating the convention's Ohana theme of Strength in Unity.

The SEANC team interview State Auditor Dave Bullock about accountability, the DAVE Act, the DMV audit, technology and contract oversight, and what it all means for state employees We also preview next week's SEANC Convention, check in on Gen Z spending habits, and more.

Following the State Health Plan Board of Trustees' decision last week to increase premiums for most state employees and retirees, SEANC members have reached out with many questions. State Health Plan Executive Administrator Thomas Friedman revisited The SEANC View Podcast this week to answer them.  In an extended interview following up on his appearance last month, Friedman addressed everything from the fairness of the new tiered structure of the premiums based on salary to the new partnership with Lantern Care to cut the cost of some surgeries and procedures to the need to rein in overcharging by hospitals. The increases will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The plan consists of a tiered structure for the increases, with higher-paid employees paying more monthly than lower-paid employees. For some, the increase will be as low as $15 per month, while those making over $90,000 could see their premiums triple. 

The State Health Plan Board of Trustees voted today to increase premiums for most state employees and retirees for the first time in eight years.  The increases will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The plan consists of a tiered structure for the increases, with higher-paid employees paying more monthly than lower-paid employees. For some, the increase will be as low as $15 per month, while those making over $90,000 could see their premiums triple.  This week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast, recorded before the meeting, focuses on the State Health Plan increases. We also discuss the state budget, Gen Z employees, and more.

Welcome to the SEANC View podcast, where host Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, and Sam Cline discuss the pressing issues facing state employees and public services. Focusing on the recent mini budget, they discuss the fiscal challenges and political dynamics affecting funding for state employees and retirees. The podcast also highlights State Auditor Dave Bullock's recent audit of the DMV. The audit reveals long-standing staffing and salary challenges and suggests potential structural changes for the DMV. The discussion extends to broader issues such as state workforce retention and the impact of political decisions on public service delivery. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted Gen Z segment exploring workplace trends and a nostalgic conversation about the hosts' favorite teachers. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between policy, education, and workforce dynamics, all set against the backdrop of North Carolina's political and social landscape.

In this episode of the SEANC View podcast, Samantha Cline takes the helm as host, joined by Executive Director Ardis Watkins, Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley, and special guest SEANC Public Schools Liaison Brad Langhans. The team dives into the intricacies of school funding and the legislative sessions affecting all state employees. We highlight the absence of across-the-board pay increases for state employees and address the mini-budget's impact. Brad Langhans shares insights on the role of SEANC in public schools, focusing on advocacy and support for teachers and classified staff. The conversation covers various topics, from salary structures and local government pay plans to working in schools and the emotional and community aspects. The team emphasizes the importance of advocacy and having a voice in the legislative process, encouraging school employees to engage with representatives. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the current state of public education funding, employee concerns, and the critical advocacy work being done to support those educating future generations.