The Board of Governors of the State Employees Association of North Carolina voted unanimously Friday to endorse passage of the $2 billion Connect N.C. bond package on the March 15 primary ballot.

The bond referendum has been supported by groups on all sides of the political spectrum. A total of 76 counties will see investment from this package, which includes improvements at all 16 UNC System campuses and all 58 community colleges as well as updates to agricultural resources, state parks and attractions and water and sewer infrastructure.

Along with the need for better pay, health care and retirement benefits for state employees, working conditions are of major concern to SEANC. While the passage of these bonds will not alleviate all of these problems, it is a necessary first step.

With the lack of a meaningful pay increase in a decade, the fact that the bond package is not projected to increase the tax burden on workers is also important.

“If anyone knows firsthand the dire needs at our community colleges, universities, state parks and other public buildings, it is the people who work in them every day,” said SEANC President Ross Hailey. “We proudly support the passage of these bonds to help move North Carolina forward.”

SEANC, SEIU Local 2008, is the South’s leading state employee association 55,000 members strong. With 2.1 million members, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in North America. To keep up on SEANC’s daily news, follow us on Twitter @SEANC2008 and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/SEANC.Local2008.