The President and Congress reached a deal in early January to avoid the “fiscal cliff,” and the major tenet of the deal was a tax increase on those making $400,000 or more per year.
But as you will find out by looking at your first paycheck of 2013, everyone’s wallet will get a little lighter with the deal. That’s because the federal government allowed its payroll tax holiday to expire. The holiday had cut payroll tax rates by 2 percent across the board and was meant as a stimulant for the sluggish economy in 2011 and 2012.
Because the holiday was not renewed, a worker making $50,000 will have $1,000 per year less in take-home pay — more than $80 per month. That’s a lot of money for anyone! Luckily your membership in SEANC can help cushion that hit to your bank account through several money-savings partnerships.
For instance, SEANC’s insurance programs are often more cost-effective than other plans offered to state workers. For starters, your SEANC dues pay for a $1,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy from Cigna right off the bat. You can get policies for life, vision, dental, auto, home and more that give you peace of mind for your family’s safety at an affordable rate. Give our insurance programs a try today by visiting seanc.org/insurance.
Also, SEANC’s partnership with PerksConnect gives members more than 3,000 discounts at big name stores, hotels and restaurants nationwide, as well as local discounts at your corner jewelry store, diner, florist and more. Check out SEANC’s PerksConnect website at http://bit.ly/UyvhVI or download the mobile app for iPhone or Android devices.
SEANC’s partnership with Purchasing Power gives members a flexible payment option for large purchases. Members can buy a laptop for their kids in college or a new refrigerator without blowing their savings at once. Instead, a small amount is deducted from each paycheck. Check it out at http://bit.ly/XhyP0X.
And, perhaps most importantly, a SEANC membership gives you representation in state politics. The payroll tax increase was a result of a federal, not state, bill. Any matter that comes before the state legislature or from the governor’s mansion is vigorously scrutinized by SEANC’s legislative team, who fights every day for your rights and benefits as a state worker.  
jowens@seanc.org