WA Gov. Inslee freezes nonessential hiring, spending amid projected $10B-$12B budget gap

Facing a projected budget gap of $10 billion to $12 billion, Washington Governor Jay Inslee has ordered a freeze on nonessential hiring across state agencies, effective December 2. This directive extends to noncritical service contracts, travel, and equipment spending, while allowing for the filling of essential vacancies and expenditures on crucial services. Exempt from the hiring freeze are positions that generate revenue or directly affect public safety. Inslee is advocating for similar restrictions to be adopted by non-cabinet agencies, boards, commissions, and higher education institutions to achieve immediate cost savings statewide. In his statement, Inslee acknowledged the challenges of implementing these measures but stressed the importance of using common sense and creativity to minimize the impact on public welfare.

The hiring freeze is part of broader efforts to manage the state’s finances responsibly amid uncertain economic times, highlighting the seriousness of Washington's budgetary situation in the coming years.