Directive to freeze hiring, personal services contracts and equipment purchases
In response to the state economy and financial outlook, effective May 18, 2020, Governor Inslee has directed state agencies under his authority to implement a freeze on:
- hiring employees for positions not related to public safety or other non-discretionary activities
- signing new or amended personal services contracts
- making nonessential equipment purchases
On November 20, 2020, Governor Inslee issued Directive 20-05.1 to update his freeze directive to agencies. As a result, we have provided updated instructions to guide agency implementation of the directive.
Hiring freeze
- Memo: Updated instructions to implement hiring freeze [.pdf] (11/20/2020)
- Memo: Implementation instructions for hiring freeze [.pdf] (5/13/2020)
- Hiring freeze exemption request form [.docx]
- Hiring freeze exemption tracking log for agencies [.xlsx]
- Hiring freeze Q&A
Personal service contracts and equipment purchases freeze
- Memo: Updated instructions to implement freeze [.pdf] (11/20/2020)
- Memo: Implementation instructions for personal services contracts and equipment purchases freeze [.pdf] (5/13/2020)
- Personal services freeze exemption request form [.docx]
- Equipment purchase freeze exemption request form [.docx]
- Personal services contracts and equipment purchases freeze - Q&A
Operating budget savings
Agencies are also directed to identify operating budget savings options from their fiscal year 2021 appropriations. See the memo for instructions and detailed agency targets:
Last updated
Wednesday, May 13, 2020