In a letter to state workers, Governor Wes Moore outlined some steps to help resolve Maryland’s “historic fiscal challenge”. To meet the current budget, the state must cut $121 million from General Fund personnel.
To meet that goal Moore announced a hiring freeze starting July 1. In addition, Moore introduced a Voluntary Separation Program which would allow workers to retire with a buyout.
Elimination of vacant positions, about 150 currently unfilled jobs, will be cut. And agencies will be asked to find efficiencies like in-sourcing and location consolidation.
Moore emphasized these moves will be made “with care and intentionality” to keep disruptions to a minimum while maintaining transparency and collaboration with public sector unions.
