The North Carolina General Assembly left Raleigh last week without passing an amended budget with additional raises or bonuses for state employees or retirees. In this episode, SEANC Comms Director Jonathan Owens, Executive Director Ardis Watkins, and Communications Specialist Sam Cline discuss the ramifications of this and the likelihood that increases will pass in the fall.

We also cover the recent changes to the State Health Plan Board of Trustees and the implications of having fewer rank-and-file representatives on it. This leads us into a broader conversation about the rising costs of healthcare and Governor Roy Cooper's new initiative to tackle medical debt in North Carolina.

We round out the episode with a discussion on the recent presidential debate and how it is perceived by different generations. Finally, we discuss our favorite vacation spots in North Carolina in celebration of Independence Day.