The SEANC View

Rep. John Torbett joined this week's edition of the SEANC View Podcast to discuss the House Select Committee on Government Efficiency work, which he co-chairs with Rep. Keith Kidwell. Torbett discusses in length the committee's aims, how it compares to the national DOGE effort led by Elon Musk, and the role SEANC and state employees will play in its work. Before the interview, the SEANC team discu...

This week, a bill filed in the House targets "DEI Initiatives" in state government without clarifying what that means. State Treasurer Brad Briner, State Auditor Dave Boliek, and Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley have made similar statements. In this week's edition of the SEANC View Podcast, we discuss how these statements might affect state workers. We talk about the State Health Plan Board of Tr...

On this week's edition of the SEANC View Podcast, we discuss these projections and the creation of a Select Committee on Government Efficiency to bring the Trump Administration's "DOGE" effort to North Carolina. We also discuss the proposed state cookie, winter weather, and more!

This week, we welcome SEANC Retiree Council Chairman Jamie Robinson and Membership Chairman Cliff Johnson to discuss State Treasurer Brad Briner's visit to the retiree council's latest meeting. We discuss the controversial bill allowing up to 10% of the retirement fund to be invested in Bitcoin, raising concerns about investment risks. The episode also delves into crucial topics such as transparen...

Welcome to another edition of the Scenic View podcast. In this episode, host Jonathan Owens is joined by Ardis Watkins, executive director, and Sam Cline, podcast producer, to discuss pressing issues within North Carolina's legislative landscape, particularly focusing on healthcare costs and prison safety. North Carolina ranks highest in healthcare service costs yet doesn't boast similarly high ou...

In this episode of The SEANC View podcast, host Jonathan Owens, along with Executive Director Ardis Watkins, Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley, and Podcast Producer Sam Cline, discuss the new state legislative session. Suzanne shares insights from her busy week as the legislature returns to full session, discussing passed bills and procedures set by Speaker Hall. The conversation shift...

Welcome to a special live edition of the SEANC View podcast, where we engage with the key leaders of our state association in the picturesque setting of Wilmington, North Carolina. This episode provides an inside look at the vibrant community of leaders dedicated to driving the mission of SEANC forward. We explore the dynamic discussions among our officers, committee chairs, and executive committe...

In this episode of the SEANC View podcast, the team dives into the contentious healthcare debate affecting state employees. Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley, and Sam Cline discuss the implications of proposed changes to healthcare premiums based on employee salaries, and the lack of transparency in provider contracts. The conversation sheds light on the challenges and assumptions fac...

This week the SEANC team discusses the intricacies of healthcare in North Carolina, including the pressing issues surrounding the state health plan. State Treasurer Brad Briner announced this week his intentions to raise premiums on the 740,000-plus members of the plan. The team explores the implications of the potential premium hikes as well as how healthcare costs impact not only public servants...

Welcome to the first edition of The SEANC View podcast for 2025, featuring Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, and Sam Cline. This week, we discuss the significant political transitions in North Carolina, with Governor Josh Stein taking office and a revamped cabinet. We also address the pressing challenges facing the state, such as the fiscal impacts following Hurricane Helene and the critical issue of...

Welcome to a special year-end edition of The SEANC View podcast. Jonathan Owens, Suzanne Beasley, Ardis Watkins, and Sam Cline retrospectively examine the major stories that shaped 2024. Amid lively discussions, we explore the ripple effects of significant events, including the end of coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs, the tragic murder of law enforcement officers in Charlotte, budgetary challe...

Welcome to another edition of the Scenic View podcast, hosted by Jonathan Owens alongside Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley, and Sam Cline. This week we discuss the attack on a correctional officer at Bertie Correctional and the staffing issues that must be addressed in the coming legislative session.  An inmate at Bertie Correctional murdered Sgt. Meggan Callahan in the first of five correctional of...

This week, we delve into key developments at the state legislature, focusing on the Senate's recent approval of three significant constitutional amendments pertaining to voter ID, congressional term limits, and the cap on the state income tax. Join Jon Owens, Sam Cline, Suzanne Beasley, and Ardis Watkins as they discuss the implications of these measures and their urgency in the current political...

Welcome to a special Thanksgiving edition of the SEANC View podcast. In this heartfelt episode, our digital communications specialist, Sam Cline, gathers insights from the Board of Governors and Executive Committee on what they are thankful for this holiday season. From President Kirk Montgomery and Executive Director Ardis Watkins to various district chairpersons, listeners will hear gratitude fo...

In this episode of The SEANC View podcast, SEANC President Kirk Montgomery discusses his visit to the State Health Plan Board of Trustees meeting, where he reiterated that state employees and retirees can't afford an increase in premiums. Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley, and Sam Cline delve into the latest happenings at the legislature and recap the latest news out of the election....

In this post-election edition of the SEANC View podcast, Communications Director Jonathan Owens, Executive Director Ardis Watkins, Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley, and Digital Communications Specialist Sam Cline are joined by EMPAC Statewide Chairman Mark Dearmon to share insights following a historic election night. With a remarkable 94% success rate for EMPAC-endorsed candidates, t...

Election Day is upon us! In this episode of the SEANC Viw Podcast, Communications Director Jonathan Owens, Executive Director Ardis Watkins, Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley, and Digital Communications Specialist Sam Cline dive into the latest updates before the big day on Tuesday. We explore the impact of early voting trends and delve into the latest polls for key races, including pr...

This week's episode of the SEANC View Podcast focuses primarily on the State Treasurer's race, which is one of the most important to state employees and retirees. SEANC sponsored a debate between the candidates seeking to replace Dale Folwell — Brad Briner and EMPAC-endorsed Rep. Wesley Harris — in conjunction with the Institute of Political Leadership , which aired on Sunday on Spectrum News. In...

SEANC's leadership team joins the podcast this week to discuss the ongoing relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. With homes lost and communities disrupted, the focus is on supporting state employees and SEANC members through the SEANC Cares Initiative. President Kirk Montgomery shares updates from the ground, highlighting the collaboration with universities and agencies to distribute essentia...

In this episode of the Scenic View podcast, Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, and Sam Klein discuss Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on Western North Carolina. The hosts express their deep concern and support for those affected by the disaster and highlight the challenges faced by residents and state employees in the region. The episode illuminates the tireless efforts of state employees who con...

On this week's episode, hosts Jonathan Owens and Ardis Watkins are joined by Suzanne Beasley and Sam Cline to discuss recent political developments and public education funding in North Carolina. The team recaps their experiences at the SEANC Convention, highlighting the bustling nature of the event and their inability to record podcasts amidst the chaos. They also delve into the recent legislativ...

Election season is in full swing! This week, we are joined by Mark Dearmon, the state chairman of SEANC's EMPAC Political Action Committee, to discuss our endorsements in Council of State and legislative races. We discuss EMPAC's endorsement process, emphasizing the organization's commitment to nonpartisanship and member-led decision-making. Learn about the rigorous interview process and the impor...

In this episode, Communications Director Jonathan Owens, Executive Director Ardis Watkins, and Communications Specialist Sam Cline are joined by Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote to discuss SEANC's outreach in public schools, community colleges, and universities. Lynn shares her insights on the current busy period for member relations, including our presence at various public school convocati...

This week, we turn to the future, as Digital Communication Specialist Samantha Cline sits down with Gen Z members and staffers to discuss the future of SEANC and state employment. Joining her are Alexandra Kaulback, a Probation and Parole officer from District 10, as well as Jamison Rhodes and Hunter Shen from SEANC's IT Department and Tiana Alberts from the Insurance Department. The group explore...

On this week's episode of the SEANC View podcast, Jonathan Owens, Ardis Watkins, Suzanne Beasley, and producer Sam Cline dive into the latest happenings amidst the relaxing backdrop of a thunderstorm. They discuss the state legislature's recess and its implications for state employees, including the 3% pay raise and the budgetary issues affecting the State Health Plan. The conversation also touche...