In what turned out to be an unpredictable election, EMPAC still managed to pull off another banner year. Candidates endorsed by EMPAC had an 85-percent win rate in the election, including two likely victories in what it deemed the most important races for state employees and retirees - for governor and state treasurer.

The governor’s race has yet to be resolved, but it looks like Cooper will win. EMPAC-endorsed Republican Dale Folwell won the Treasurer’s race in convincing fashion and can now work to stop Wall Street from taking retirement funds through outrageous fees. EMPAC’s pick for Attorney General, Josh Stein, also won. Sadly, Lieutenant Governor candidate Linda Coleman didn’t win.

Thank you to all members who worked hard to help elect candidates who support state employees and retirees, and all of you who voted for them. Now we must hold them to their promises!

Governor's race still undetermined;
GA to return for special session

It’s been almost a month since the election, and we still have no closure on the governor’s race, even though Roy Cooper leads by more than 10,000 votes. Gov. McCrory was granted a recount of votes in Durham County by the State Board of Elections on Wednesday. The board has set a firm deadline of 5 p.m. Monday to have the recount complete, and McCrory has stated he will respect the outcome whether he wins or loses.

Also this week, McCrory called the General Assembly back to Raleigh for a special session Dec. 12-16 to address emergency relief plans for victims of Hurricane Matthew.

SEANC lobbyists will be at the legislature ready to represent state employees and retirees should an issue of importance arise. We ask that members stay alert during this special session, as SEANC may call on you to come to Raleigh or contact your legislators to advocate for your rights. Pay attention to your emails, as SEANC will notify you the second we learn of a harmful bill.

You may also want to sign up for SEANC’s text messaging service by texting the word “SEANC” to 787753. We will be sending text alerts as well.