2011 Legislative Victories 

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Jobs Saved
SEANC saved the jobs of members who alerted the lobbying staff about programs that were on the chopping block. Examples include prison maintenance workers and positions from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Oral Health Section.

Privatization Blocked
Efforts to privatize prison maintenance and Information Technology Services were thwarted this year. SEANC spent countless hours educating legislators that our professional state employees can do the same jobs as private contractors in a cost-efficient manner with improved safety and security for our neighbors and citizens.

Pay Cuts/Furloughs Avoided
Despite a more than $2 billion shortfall, no mandatory furloughs or wage reductions were included in the state budget. Longevity pay was also maintained for state employees.

Merit Pay Raises Secured
In the 2012-2013 fiscal year budget, $121 million in funding was secured for merit pay increases.

State Health Plan Governance Change Achieved
SEANC successfully advocated for control of the State Health Plan (SHP) to move away from the General Assembly to the state treasurer. SEANC also championed a governing board for the SHP that includes four seats comprised of state employees and retirees, giving plan members a voice in SHP decisions.

Premium-Free Health Care Option Protected 
SEANC protected a premium-free health care option for employees and retirees participating in the SHP.

State Health Plan Cost-Plus Contracts Ended
As part of the SHP reforms, SEANC achieved its long-term goal to stop awarding future cost-plus contracts to SHP vendors, saving employees and retirees money.

Retirement Plan Fully Funded
SEANC successfully lobbied the General Assembly for full funding of the retirement system. The system will receive a $248.1 million contribution in 2011-2012 and $336 million in 2012-2013. 

Minimum Retirement Age Averted
SEANC lobbyists successfully protected employees from legislation that would have required a minimum retirement age.

Worker Rights Maintained
Due to SEANC action, 22,000 university employees maintained their SPA rights. If those employees’ SPA rights had been removed, it would have set the wheels in motion for more agencies to strip SPA protections from employees. SEANC also protected state workers’ personnel files from being released to the public.

2010 Legislative Victories