Hello Jonathan,

Gov. Roy Cooper outlined his state budget proposal today for the next two years that included truly meaningful pay raises for state employees and real cost-of-living adjustments for retirees.

All state employees would receive a pay raise and bonus should the proposal pass, setting an optimistic tone for coming negotiations with legislators.

The proposal included the following:

Most state employees

• 5% pay raise over two years
• $1,000 bonus in each of the next two years

UNC, Community College, and non-certified school personnel

• 7.5% pay raise over two years
• $4,000 bonus over two years
• Minimum $15 wage for non-certified school personnel

Teachers

• more than 10% pay raise over two years
• $4,000 in bonuses over two years

Retirees

• 2% COLA
• 2% bonus in EACH of the next two years

The proposal returns to an old practice of raising teacher pay far more than most state employees. We don't think this is fair. Our members have been on the front lines during the pandemic and should not be valued less than other groups. It's time to end that madness and recognize all public employees for the valuable work they perform. 

We are thankful that Governor Cooper included a $15 minimum wage proposal for non-certified school personnel. As we've seen in other state agencies since SEANC worked with Senator Phil Berger and Speaker Tim Moore to secure a $15 minimum wage for most state employees, this is a necessary and life-changing move for working families. We will work with the legislature to extend this $15 minimum wage to community college staff as well.

It's important to note that this is just the Governor's proposal. The House and Senate will make their proposals, and lawmakers will negotiate a final budget from those three plans. We will continue to work with the legislature and the Governor to ensure that state employees are represented throughout this process.

Sincerely,

Ardis Watkins

SEANC Executive Director