Lawmakers finally passed a long-delayed state budget this week, and SEANC has a clear message: the numbers don't add up for the people who run this state.

Most state employees will receive a 3% across-the-board raise, along with one-time bonuses — $1,750 for those earning $65,000 or less, and $1,000 for those earning more. Retirees will receive a 2.5% one-time supplement — not a permanent cost-of-living adjustment.

Some law enforcement employees will receive larger increases. Correctional officers will see an average 15.4% raise with step increases; probation and parole officers, 10.1%. State Highway Patrol officers will move to a new salary schedule ranging from $63,250 to $92,290, and SBI and ALE officers will see averages of more than 20%, with civilian SBI personnel averaging 27.5%.

The budget will take effect when Gov. Josh Stein signs it into law. Employees start receiving their new pay rate on July 1, and it will be reflected in their next paycheck.

SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins did not mince words in response.

"Legislators love to tell us how well North Carolina's economy is doing, but this budget looks like the work of a state that's struggling," Watkins said. "State employees got no raise last year, while their healthcare costs went up dramatically. This year, most will only get 3% — which doesn't keep pace with inflation for this year, much less make up for last year."

The concerns go beyond pay. The budget cuts hundreds of positions from agencies responsible for public health and safety and leaves $1 billion unappropriated with no stated purpose.

"What is the plan for that money?" Watkins asked. "If N.C. is being run like a business, it is a business in terrible financial shape. Cutting the workforce, shutting workers out of any raises, only to follow it up with peanuts. This is what a business does when it's in trouble."

We take an in-depth look at the budget and what it means for state employees and retirees on this week's edition of The SEANC View Podcast.

SEANC In the News

SEANC and state employee compensation were covered widely this week. Here's a roundup:

• NC lawmakers unveil long-awaited state budget with tax cuts, raises for state employees — WRAL
• Long-delayed NC budget released with raises, Helene funding, ferry tolls and more — WUNC
• Raises for teachers, police and state workers in NC budget. Here's the breakdown — News & Observer
• N.C. Lawmakers Release Long-Awaited Budget. What's In and What's Out? — The Assembly NC
• NC legislature releases $34B budget deal, expects votes this week — NC Newsline
• NC lawmakers release proposed $34.4 billion state budget — CBS 17
• North Carolina lawmakers release full state budget proposal — Axios Raleigh
• Pay raises and tax cuts included in new NC state budget — WFMY News 2
• 'We simply aren't competitive': State employee group reacts to proposed pay increases in N.C. budget — Spectrum News
• Ardis Watkins discusses SEANC's reaction to proposed pay increases — WPTF Afternoon News (podcast)

Keep up with articles featuring SEANC members at news.seanc.org.