The SEANC View

Latest Episodes:

Raises, Bonuses, and the Fight for Jobs May 15, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Suzanne Beasley, Artis Watkins, and Samantha Cline and special guest Wendell Powell break down the legislature's new budget framework — including raises and one-time bonuses for state employees, teachers, law enforcement, and retirees — and debate who benefits and who is left behind.

The episode also covers pension concerns and the Pension Fight Club documentary, hiring and turnover costs, health care and insurance changes, the WakeMed–Atrium consolidation, and how listeners can contact legislators and get involved.

Health Care Shakeup: Atrium-WakeMed Merger Sparks Statewide Outcry May 08, 2026

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This episode examines the controversial Atrium-WakeMed merger, the Wake County commissioners' 90-day pause, and concerns from state leaders that hospital consolidation will drive up health care costs.

Hosts discuss reactions from the state treasurer and auditor, corporate pay and nonprofit tax exemptions, and the potential impact on the state health plan.

Also covered: SEANC lobby day, Public Service Recognition Week, the budget debate, and calls for raises and COLAs for state employees and retirees.

Sec. of State Elaine Marshall: Staffing Shortages Threaten North Carolina Services May 01, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, and Samantha Cline discuss the state legislature's short session, debates over tax cuts and a cost-of-living adjustment, looming budget and job cuts, and an upcoming state employee rally. We then sit down with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall to discuss her agency's staffing shortages amid a surge in new business formations and the need for better funding, as well as her long career in public service.

Opening Day: Speaker Destin Hall on State Pay, Budgets, and Public Safety Apr 24, 2026

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On a special 100th Episode of The SEANC View Podcast, we sit down with House Speaker Destin Hall on opening day of the legislative short session for an extended discussion on the state budget, proposed pay raises for state employees, retiree COLA, and health plan costs.

The conversation covers staffing shortages in public services such as state troopers and corrections, the use of lapsed salaries, the recruitment of younger workers, and the House’s approach to balancing tax cuts with funding public services.

Short Session Showdown: Budget, AI, and the Fight for State Workers Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The SEANC View, the hosts and lobbyist Flint Benson break down the upcoming legislative short session, focusing on whether lawmakers will finalize a budget and how it could affect pay, pensions, and the state health plan. They also discuss Treasurer Brad Briner’s expansion of AI tools and the transparency and privacy concerns tied to public-sector use.

Other topics include the long-running Lake retiree health case, workforce vacancies that strain state services, and how SEANC plans to engage members through Lobby Day and election efforts. The episode closes with a Gen Z moment celebrating the successful Artemis II splashdown and North Carolina astronaut milestones.

North Carolina's $1B Puzzle: Inside the Auditor's Lapse Salary Report Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

State Auditor Dave Boliek joins the SEANC View podcast to discuss the January lapse salary report, the need for transparency and truth in budgeting, and how audits inform hiring, corrections funding, DMV operations, and contract oversight.

He also discusses the auditor's office use of technology and AI, plans for a bonds dashboard and periodic audits (including the $650M Charlotte stadium bond), and upcoming work on hurricane long-term recovery and contract metrics to hold public and private partners accountable.

Lantern, Transparency, and Savings: Inside the State Health Plan Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Thomas Friedman, Executive Administrator of the State Health Plan, joins The SEANC View podcast to explain the Lantern program, a new preferred-provider and tiered-access model designed to lower costs for members while improving quality and access.

We also discuss the recently approved preferred tiers by the State Health Plan Board of Trustees, efforts to protect rural access, early program results, and plans to negotiate better pricing with providers.

The conversation also touches on contract changes, the push for transparency and competition, and how these steps aim to reduce premiums and preserve funds for employee raises and retiree benefits, while keeping participation voluntary and focused on member choice.

Political Earthquakes and Revenue Surpluses Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Suzanne Beasley and producer Samantha Cline discuss the week’s biggest story: Senate leader Phil Berger’s surprise primary concession to Sam Page and the ensuing scramble for Senate leadership.

We also break down new revenue forecasts that trigger a personal income tax cut, the resulting budget gap, and what a compressed short session could mean for state services, pay raises, and infrastructure funding.

The episode also covers upcoming advocacy plans (Lobby Day on May 6), recent member events like Cherry Hospital, lighter personal moments, and the hosts’ takeaways for state employees and retirees.

Raises, Retro Pay, and Free Surgeries Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Hosts Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, and Suzanne Beasley discuss Governor Josh Stein’s proposed critical needs budget and its impact on state employees and retirees; the sustainability and transparency issues facing the State Health Plan; debates over Aetna and Lantern’s surgery network; and rising prescription costs. They also cover upcoming veto override votes, primary election recounts, and what to expect in the short legislative session.

Gov. Stein Makes Bold State Budget Pitch Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, and Sammy Cline break down North Carolina’s unresolved Senate District 26 recount, Governor Stein’s new “critical needs” budget targeting raises for correctional officers, teachers, and state staff, and the $319M Medicaid rebase request.

We also discuss expanding the Lantern surgical program for state employees, Gen Z’s shifting political identity, the Ticketmaster antitrust fight, and a light St. Patrick’s Day conversation.

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