The following is a response from SEANC Executive Director Mitch Leonard on this morning's budget proposal announcement from Gov. Roy Cooper.

Dear members,

Gov. Roy Cooper unveiled his first state budget proposal for 2017-2019 this morning. It includes:

• A 2% or $800 salary increase (whichever is greater) for state employees, as well as a $500 one-time bonus
• A one-time bonus of 1.5% for retirees instead of a cost-of-living adjustment
• $18 million for the correctional officer pay increase plan
• Full funding of step pay increases for clerks, magistrates and State Highway Patrol officers.
• Funds for targeted increases to bring employees who have worked for the state for five years within 25% of the market value for their positions.
• Full funding of the State Health Plan and Retirement System’s actuarial requirements.
• A provision to allow law enforcement officers to retire after 25 years of service (now 30 years)
• $150 million to address retiree health care liabilities

We appreciate the salary recommendations and retiree bonus recommendations from the governor. They are a good start, but we all know it's not enough to keep up with the cost of living, especially when there's a massive budget surplus.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle don’t seem to realize that the situation is dire for our state employees and retirees who have been left behind by the economic rebound. State employees and retirees have lost 10 percent of their buying power since 2010. One out of three state employees make less than $31,000 annually. They are struggling to make ends meet, working two or even three jobs just to feed their families. Some have to go on food stamps to survive.

No North Carolinian should be left behind, especially ones that give their careers to serving the state. We look forward to agreeing with Gov. Cooper on a number of issues, but we respectfully feel these budget recommendations fall short. Going forward in this budget process, we will work with Gov. Cooper and the legislature to provide meaningful increases to our dedicated state employees and retirees. 

Thank you,

Mitch Leonard
SEANC Executive Director