Inslee Freezes Hiring Amid Long-Term Budget Shortfall

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has announced a freeze on non-essential hiring, service contracts, and travel for state agencies to address a projected budget shortfall of $10 billion to $12 billion through 2029. The measure aims to capture immediate savings, with exceptions for public safety and revenue-generating positions, while critics speculate it may precede a tax hike request. Inslee has not confirmed any tax increase, but the directive remains in place indefinitely as he prepares to propose the 2025-27 budget, which may involve significant program cuts due to the lack of new revenue sources. Governor-elect Bob Ferguson supports the freeze as a prudent step, while economic forecasts suggest a potential revenue increase in upcoming bienniums. Inslee has urged other state officials to adopt similar spending restrictions to manage the financial challenge effectively.