Gov. Jay Inslee issued a directive Wednesday to state executive and small cabinet agencies to freeze all hiring, personal service contracts and equipment purchases. The action is aimed at mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Washington’s economy and financial outlook.
Exemptions from the directive will be granted if needed for filling vacancies in critical areas or for personal service contracts or equipment purchases necessary to continue critical service or operations. The governor also calls upon higher education institutions, boards and commissions, and other separately elected officials to impose similar restrictions.
“While this is not going to be easy, I ask each agency to use common sense, good judgment and creativity to accomplish the ultimate goal of this directive: to capture immediate savings through spending reductions not related to the public safety and essential health and welfare of Washingtonians,” Inslee stated.
The directive is effective May 18, 2020.
Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.
By commenting here you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please read our code at the bottom of this page before commenting.