The SEANC View

SEANC
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  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Examining the issues and topics concerning public employees and retirees in North Carolina. SEANC is the South’s leading state employee association, with 46,000 members in all 100 counties in North Carolina.

  1. COLAs, Health Care, and the Fight for State Workers and Retirees in 2026

    2D AGO

    COLAs, Health Care, and the Fight for State Workers and Retirees in 2026

    In this first episode of 2026, we are joined by SEANC president Wendell Powell for a conversation about what 2026 holds for state employees and retirees: rising health premiums, stalled COLAs for retirees, staffing shortages in prisons and other agencies, and strategies for political engagement and member advocacy.

    45 min
  2. No Budget, Big Questions: North Carolina's Turbulent Year in Review

    12/26/2025

    No Budget, Big Questions: North Carolina's Turbulent Year in Review

    On this year-end episode of the SEANC View podcast, the hosts recap five top state stories from 2025: leadership changes in Raleigh, government efficiency efforts, ongoing recovery after Hurricane Helene, steep state health-plan premium increases, and the failure to pass a state budget with no raises or COLAs. The conversation examines how these issues impact state employees and communities, the roles of contracts and transparency in driving up costs, and what to expect as policymakers enter the short session and the new year.

    25 min
  3. Ask Us Anything Edition: Budget Stalemate, Health Benefits, and Holiday Pay

    12/18/2025

    Ask Us Anything Edition: Budget Stalemate, Health Benefits, and Holiday Pay

    The SEANC View podcast addresses listener questions on state employee and retiree concerns, including the absent budget, the loss of retirement health insurance for hires after 2021, early December pay changes, and the $3.3 billion surplus. We discuss staffing and retention issues, why COLAs aren’t being issued despite strong investment returns, the role of EMPAC endorsements, Aetna vs. Blue Cross transitions, and potential future coverage for GLP-1 drugs. Plus: a light-hearted round on favorite Christmas songs.

    35 min
  4. Holiday Lifeline: $1,000 Bridge Loan for State Employees

    12/12/2025

    Holiday Lifeline: $1,000 Bridge Loan for State Employees

    This week, we explore the State Employees' Credit Union's special program for state employees, offering up to $1,000 at a fixed 5% interest rate with up to six months to repay, created to bridge the gap caused by the December pay schedule change. We also highlight related SECU benefits, including a 90-day first payment grace period on qualifying auto loans, a 0.5% rate discount for state employees and retirees, holiday and summer savings accounts, rental housing options through SECURE, and first-time homebuyer assistance.

    32 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    Freeze Era Over: State Health Premiums, Hospital Pay, and the Push for Transparency

    State Treasurer Brad Briner stated this week that State Health Plan premiums will likely increase again in 2027 for state employees and retirees. In this episode, we discuss the need for true transparency in hospital pricing to control costs. We also cover $14 billion in pension gains, but no COLA for retirees, the 2026 election filing window, and SEANC's political engagement. We then close with a light segment on Spotify Wrapped and memories of the K&W Cafeteria.

    40 min
  6. Budget standstill draws criticism from both sides of the aisle

    11/28/2025

    Budget standstill draws criticism from both sides of the aisle

    The SEANC team discusses North Carolina’s stalled budget, upcoming candidate filing, and the political fallout of a late session. They delve into State Auditor Dave Bullock’s rapid report on DHHS, which reveals $386 million in lapsed salary funds, the state’s high vacancy rates, and the debate over using lapse funds versus properly funding positions. The episode also covers the State Health Plan’s new Lantern program and upcoming town halls, honors DOT and Wildlife employees commended for their response to Hurricane Helene, and wraps with Thanksgiving traditions.

    40 min
  7. Can State Government Compete? Inside NC's HR with Staci Meyer

    11/20/2025

    Can State Government Compete? Inside NC's HR with Staci Meyer

    This week, State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer visits the podcast to discuss state employment in North Carolina. Meyer outlines the state’s hiring challenges (about a 19–20% vacancy rate and long time-to-hire), explains how law changes and technology will speed recruiting (resume/profile applications, temp-to-perm, pooled hiring, pay/classification flexibility), and discusses retention, retiree concerns, Gen Z recruitment, and plans to modernize hiring. We also discuss recent North Carolina news — a delayed DOT contract, DMV improvements, and a stalled state budget.

    45 min

  8. 11/14/2025

    North Carolina, the nation must tackle health care costs

    Health care is in the spotlight in this episode of the SEANC View podcast. The hosts discuss the State Health Plan's new Lantern program and upcoming town halls, explore rising healthcare costs and competition, and debate Certificate of Need rules and public health responses. They then interview SEANC General Treasurer Timothy Morgan about his 28 years in corrections, staffing and wage challenges, community outreach by districts, and the importance of mental health support and checking in on one another.

    40 min
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About

Examining the issues and topics concerning public employees and retirees in North Carolina. SEANC is the South’s leading state employee association, with 46,000 members in all 100 counties in North Carolina.

Information

  • Creator
    SEANC
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The SEANC View

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