Press Release: Alaska Governor Imposes Hiring Freeze Amid Fiscal Concerns
JUNEAU, AK – Governor Mike Dunleavy has announced a hiring freeze, effective immediately, citing significant financial challenges facing the state. The administrative order, issued on July 22, 2020, prohibits new hires for full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions, with exceptions for roles considered essential for public safety, such as those in the Alaska State Troopers and corrections services.
"This is a necessary step to control spending and ensure vital services continue,” said Governor Dunleavy. The state’s fiscal outlook has become increasingly dire due to decreasing oil revenues, prompting the need for a strategic reevaluation of workforce and spending.
Critics, including Heidi Drygas, executive director of the Alaska State Employees Association, have voiced concerns that the freeze could impede essential state services and exacerbate existing workforce challenges. "This is a slap in the face of public employees," Drygas stated, highlighting that over 13% of state positions are currently vacant, with some agencies, like the Department of Labor, reporting vacancy rates as high as 16.6%.
Lawmakers have expressed worries that failure to fill positions will worsen existing service deficits. Senator Bert Stedman emphasized, "If it’s a funded position in a balanced budget, I don’t know why you wouldn’t fill them.”
In addition to the hiring freeze, Dunleavy’s order restricts state employees from traveling out of state and halts the introduction of new regulations, aiming to focus on essential services. Travel waivers may be granted for situations deemed necessary to uphold public safety.
The governor’s spokesperson, Jessica Bowers, reassured that the freeze is aimed at prioritizing “smart hiring” and that it allows agencies to assess workforce needs without undermining operational effectiveness.
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