Maryland to Freeze State Hiring and Offer Voluntary Buyouts to Save $121 Million
The administration negotiates buyout terms with state unions as it finalizes carve-outs for critical roles.
Overview
- The hiring freeze, effective July 1, will allow exceptions for law enforcement, juvenile justice, corrections staff and other priority positions that sustain round-the-clock operations.
- State agencies will eliminate roughly 150 pending and vacant posts, including about six positions in the governor’s office to save nearly $1 million.
- Voluntary buyout offers are under negotiation with public employee unions to incentivize retirements and further reduce headcounts.
- Governor Moore’s administration projects these steps will yield $121 million in savings toward fiscal year 2026.
- Maryland’s budget gap has widened to $3.3 billion, underscoring the need for targeted staffing cuts that have won backing from Senate President Bill Ferguson.