Maryland Gov. Moore Announces Hiring Freeze, Buyouts Amid $121M State Budget Gap

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a plan to address the state's historic fiscal challenges by implementing a hiring freeze and offering voluntary separation agreements to state employees, aiming to save $121 million in labor costs for Fiscal Year 2026. The hiring freeze is set to begin July 1, 2025, and the voluntary buyout program details are still being finalized, with the University System of Maryland exempt from these changes. The administration plans to eliminate around 150 vacant positions and consolidate facilities to improve efficiency without mandatory layoffs. Governor Moore cited the worst financial climate since the Great Depression and criticized federal policies impacting Maryland's economy. Republican leaders, including House Minority Leader Jason Buckel and Senate Minority Leader J.B. Jennings, expressed support for the fiscal measures but criticized the timing, suggesting the actions should have been taken sooner to avoid more severe outcomes like furloughs or layoffs. The state government emphasizes transparency and collaboration with public sector unions throughout the process to minimize impacts on current employees.