5 days ago
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announces state hiring freeze, buyouts, citing historic fiscal challenge
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced a state hiring freeze, voluntary employee buyouts, and the elimination of vacant positions on Tuesday, citing a "historic fiscal challenge."
The governor called the critical financial concerns the worst since the Great Depression.
"And a federal administration that continues to harm Maryland's people and the economy," Moore said.
What is included in the cost reductions?
Gov. Moore said the cost reductions would save Maryland $121 million for the Fiscal Year 2026, which starts on July 1.
According to our media partner, The Baltimore Banner, state employees found out about the hiring freeze and buys in a memo sent on Tuesday.
"We have always taken a responsible, deliberate, and innovative approach to making State government work for Marylanders," Moore wrote in the statement shared with WJZ.
Moore said the buyout program is still being worked on and will be determined in the next several weeks. The state says there will be facility consolidations, and it will eliminate vacant jobs based on "alignment with mission priorities."
"We are committed to engaging with our public sector unions as we work through these difficult decisions," Moore said. "We are moving with care and intentionality to minimize impact on current employees and be transparent throughout the process."
