Gov. Maura Healey said she plans to freeze hiring across executive branch agencies and departments later this month in response to “widespread economic uncertainty” at the national level and a “tightening budget outlook” for the next fiscal year.
Healey’s decision to restrict state hiring comes as Beacon Hill Democrats are grappling with the Trump administration’s federal funding cuts, spending pressures created by inflation and increasing demand for services, and efforts to downsize the federal government.
In a statement Wednesday morning, the first-term Democrat from Arlington said the prohibition on hiring new employees will take effect May 27 and will not include a “formal waiver process.” Some exemptions will be made for public safety officers and direct care providers, Healey said.
“Tariffs and funding cuts from Washington are causing so much economic damage and instability. We are taking this step to prepare for more uncertain economic times, protect taxpayer dollars, and move our state forward while ensuring funding will be available for the vital services people need,” Healey said in a statement.
President Donald Trump’s administration has cut hundreds of millions in federal funding to state agencies in Massachusetts, according to the Healey administration.
The hiring freeze is the second Healey has put in place in as many years.
Healey implemented restrictions on hirings last year amid dismal state revenues that put pressure on the governor and state lawmakers to rein in spending.
Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz said a hiring freeze will give officials “added flexibility in the budget to respond and react to unforeseen program needs and other deficiencies that may arise.”
“Our uncertain economic future in fiscal year 2026 has been made less predictable by the threat of federal funding cuts and recent market upheaval. While we hope for the best, it is both prudent and responsible to be prepared and take control of what we can now,” Gorzkowicz said in a statement.
The Healey administration said it will “reevaluate the effectiveness and need for ongoing hiring controls” once the governor signs the fiscal year 2026 budget later this year.
This is a developing story…