In this episode, Ardis Watkins from the State Employees Association of North Carolina shines a light on a critical issue affecting the state's correctional officers: insufficient starting salaries. Highlighted by the tragic 2017 Pasquotank Correctional escape and subsequent convictions for the murder of four staff members, the importance of adequate staffing and compensation becomes painfully clear. While neighboring states offer starting salaries between $43,000 to $51,000, North Carolina lags behind at just $37,621. This salary discrepancy places the state among the lowest in the nation, raising concerns about safety and staff retention in its prisons. With efforts now extending to hiring 18-year-olds and part-time workers, the urgency for increased pay is underscored, illustrating that the situation is not just critical, but potentially deadly.

Ardis Watkins discusses the House budget, which offers mixed news for state employees and retirees. While retirees receive a modest one-time bonus, active state employees are promised a small raise this year but not the next. The House also aims to eliminate 3,000 vacant state positions, exacerbating the already high vacancy rate in government jobs. Despite a minor income tax reduction, decreasing public service staff may lead to diminished public services and efficiency, raising concerns about public safety and overall satisfaction.

Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley reports from the N.C. General Assembly on the House's plan to introduce its budget proposal.

With the House budget proposal around the corner, this episode delves into pressing issues surrounding mental health and correctional facilities amidst significant budget cuts. First Vice President Wendell Powell and DHHS Committee Chairwoman Kathy Merritt share firsthand insights into the challenges faced by state employees working in high-stress environments with alarming vacancy rates. Listeners will gain an understanding of the profound impact these job cuts have on public services, especially mental health services and correctional facilities, and how they ripple out to affect the community at large. The conversation also touches on the dedication and resilience of state employees as they navigate these turbulent times while advocating for the well-being of both employees and those they serve. Join us for a thought-provoking episode highlighting the critical need to recognize and support our public workers.

In this episode, we discuss crossover week at the General Assembly. SEANC members turned out in force against House Bill 549, which would strip State Human Resources Act protections from employees at the State Auditor's Office. We touch on the deep-seated concerns it raises for state employees. Moreover, we bring a fresh perspective to government dealings with Sam Klein's Gen Z views, highlighting a generational shift towards more transparency and engagement. Dive into our conversations filled with political intrigue, personal anecdotes, and even some light-hearted talk about birds and nature. Enjoy this inside look at the dynamics shaping North Carolina's political landscape.

In this episode, we tackle the contentious issues surrounding employment rights within state agencies, focusing on the potential implications of House Bill 549. This bill would remove State Human Resources Act protections from State Auditor's Office employees. It is a blatant attempt to politicize the workforce in an agency where employees must be protected. We dig deeper into why fighting for SHRA protections for all state employees is essential.