Gov. Chris Gregoire ordered state agencies to freeze hiring of non-essential personnel and cut back on unnecessary travel, a clear sign the rising gas prices and a slowing economy is putting a squeeze on the state budget.
She ordered state agencies to not fill vacant jobs and to reduce fuel consumption by 5 percent.
“I am asking each of you to step up your efforts to increase savings. I ask that you be creative and take action now,” Gregoire said in a memo to agency chiefs.
“Along with limits on non-emergency travel, I’ve asked my agency directors to freeze hiring to fill job vacancies, shelve any plans to purchase new equipment; and avoid signing all but emergency personal services contracts.”
The full memo is attached as a pdf. Gregoire also wants hiring freezes and fuel curbs adopted by colleges, state boards and commissions and the other elected state officeholders.
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