Gov. Sununu restricts state hiring and purchasing to manage spending

Gov. Chris Sununu announced a restriction Tuesday on all new government hires and equipment purchases in a step meant to control state spending.

At his first press conference since being sworn in, Sununu said the state must “manage” its budget to deal with a projected $65 million shortfall from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Republican didn’t say how much money he expects the hold will save. Unlike a freeze, hiring won’t come to a complete stop.

A department could make a purchase or fill a position, he said, but first must seek approval from Sununu’s office. Child protection workers, who are needed to implement the agency’s long-delayed 24/7 coverage plan, could still be brought on, he said.

“Addressing the problems at {The Division for Children, Youth and Families} is a top priority for our administration,” he said. “That’s a great example of where we have to make sure we are putting the right funds in place.”

Read more: http://www.concordmonitor.com/sununu-puts-a-hold-on-new-state-government-hires-7528782