Nearly 300 fewer employees in state government after Ricketts' hiring freeze

LINCOLN — A hiring freeze ordered by Gov. Pete Ricketts last year has left state government with nearly 300 fewer employees so far.

Ricketts instituted the freeze to deal with the state’s budget shortfall, estimated at nearly $900 million for the period ending June 30, 2019.

The freeze began in October and affected all employees except those in mission-critical positions.

“Within a matter of a few months, we have been able to reduce the size of state government by eliminating unnecessary positions,” Ricketts said. “During these tough budget times, my agencies are practicing the same fiscal responsibility Nebraskans do when their household income declines.”

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