SEANC President Kirk Montgomery and Executive Director Ardis Watkins joined House Rules Chairman Rep. John Bell, Sen. Kevin Corbin, OSHR Director Staci Meyer, and Sen. Joyce Waddell at Gov. Josh Stein's signing ceremony for Senate Bill 124 on Tuesday.

Senate Bill 124 is a bipartisan effort to streamline hiring practices across state government. Meyer testified at a recent committee meeting that the hiring process now takes up to 182 days—a full six months—to complete. Prospective employees are likely to give up or find other employment during that time.

Another week passed without a state budget. With the two sides at odds, there is still time to contact your House and Senate lawmakers and tell them to support state employees and retirees. Click here to do so.

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This week, the SEANC team welcomes special guest N.C. Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey for a discussion on the state budget, proposed job cuts at his office, and other topics.

Commissioner Causey shares insights into the role of the Department of Insurance and highlights the importance of public safety during the summer, especially concerning fireworks and travel.

We also discuss the impact of recent federal legislation on the state budget and the modernization of the hiring practices for prospective state employees.