Northwest

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Do you have a news tip? newstips@heraldnet.com | 425.339.3400   Published: Monday, August 4, 2008 Gregoire orders hiring freeze Associated Press OLYMPIA -- Gov. Chris Gregoire is telling state agencies to cut hiring, travel and fuel costs as the weak economy continues to take its toll. In a memo released Monday, Gregoire tells agency directors to cut gas consumption by five percent. She also orders freezes on hiring, out-of-state travel, service contracts and extra equipment. There's some exceptions for emergencies. Officials say the steps could save $90 million in the current budget. The freeze comes as Gregoire works on a new two-year state budget. The Democrat has been asking agencies to find service cuts to balance the budget. She says tax increases are a last resort. Gregoire won't say how big of a deficit the state is facing. But legislative budget experts say the gap could be about $2.7 billion.

1. Fire destroys Silver Lake landmark 2. Tree clearing, mud slide angers Everett neighbor 3. County tackles bikini barista rules 4. Six people injured in Machias car crash 5. Edmonds councilwoman dies at 59 6. Search for missing hiker called off 7. Later start for school day unlikely in Marysville 8. Extended tax credit should spur home sales 9. Hopes for Snohomish excursion train may hinge on railway purchase 10. Designing a new business 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

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