Harsher RI state hiring freeze in place

Due to the state's crumbling economy, a harsher hiring freeze situation has been created. The Department of Administration has ordered that no new positions can be created and vacant positions must remain open.

The state was already limiting new hires, but a memo circulated by the Director of Administration Monday prevents any new state workers until an upswing in the economy.

The state's growing budget deficit is estimated at $220 million right now.

"Four or five months ago, I guess you could call what we were doing a soft hiring freeze, taking a look at every position that may have been vacant and making a determination whether or not the state could afford that position," said the governor's spokesperson, Amy Kempe.

Rhode Island currently employs about 13,600 full-time workers -- and that number stands to stay the same for the foreseeable future. Under the new policy, the state can't create new positions or fill any vacancies unless they meet four specific guidelines. Those exceptions include

• positions with 100 percent federal funding
• jobs mandated by law or court order
• workers that directly generate state revenue
• positions directly critical to protect the health and safety of citizens

The governor's office says state employee levels are already at their lowest level in 20 years. 1,400 positions remain unfilled. The administration is now reviewing staffing at specific departments and considering shuffling state workers around to maintain efficiency without filling vacancies.

"We're operating with fewer employees than ever before. We're redefining how we deliver services and that's something we'll continue going forward, no matter what the economy is," said Kempe.

The memo also explains hiring preference will be given to existing state employees when filling positions considered exceptions.