Gov. Healey plans to freeze state hiring in response to ‘widespread economic uncertainty’

Gov Maura Healey disclosed she plans to freeze hiring across executive branch agencies and departments later this month in response to widespread economic uncertainty at the national level and a tightening budget outlook for the next fiscal year Healey s decision to restrict state hiring comes as Beacon Hill Democrats are grappling with the Trump administration s federal funding cuts spending pressures created by inflation and increasing demand for services and efforts to downsize the federal governing body In a comment Wednesday morning the first-term Democrat from Arlington commented the prohibition on hiring new employees will take effect May and will not include a formal waiver process Particular exemptions will be made for society safety officers and direct care providers Healey mentioned Tariffs and funding cuts from Washington are causing so much economic damage and instability We are taking this step to prepare for more uncertain economic times protect taxpayer dollars and move our state forward while ensuring funding will be available for the vital services people need Healey mentioned in a declaration President Donald Trump s administration has cut hundreds of millions in federal funding to state agencies in Massachusetts according to the Healey administration The hiring freeze is the second Healey has put in place in as a large number of years Healey implemented restrictions on hirings last year amid dismal state revenues that put pressure on the governor and state lawmakers to rein in spending Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz explained a hiring freeze will give functionaries added flexibility in the budget to respond and react to unforeseen undertaking requirements and other deficiencies that may arise Related Articles Scheduling underway for meeting with Canadian premiers in Boston Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve raises over K in first hours campaign says Mass gun violence prevention advocates form campaign to oppose gun law repeal effort Agency tasked with managing constituents employees medical insurance set to run out of cash Former MBTA chief administrator Brian Shortsleeve launches Republican run for governor Our uncertain economic future in fiscal year has been made less predictable by the threat of federal funding cuts and fresh area upheaval While we hope for the best it is both prudent and responsible to be prepared and take control of what we can now Gorzkowicz explained in a report The Healey administration reported it will reevaluate the effectiveness and need for ongoing hiring controls once the governor signs the fiscal year budget later this year This is a evolving story