OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has imposed a moratorium on hiring and pay raises for state workers.
Fallin issued an executive order Monday that tightens hiring and wage adjustment practices for employees at all state agencies.
Fallin says new state workers can still be hired with the approval of the statewide elected official who manages the agency or a cabinet secretary. Approval requires a written explanation explaining why it is necessary.
Fallin says the order is needed to ensure that taxpayer funds are directed at state services rather than new employees or salaries. Fallin says state officials need to carefully manage every taxpayer dollar as the state copes with budgetary challenges.
The state is facing a projected revenue shortfall of about $300 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1.