King Files Bill to Freeze State Hiring, Save Money

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AUSTIN – State Representative Phil King (R-Weatherford) recently filed H.B. 291, a bill that would freeze hiring by state agencies for the 2014-15 biennium. King’s bill would implement a freeze on non-essential state hiring for that biennium, and would also prevent diversions of dollars from those unfilled positions being used by that agency for other purposes.

“The economy has seen many ups and downs over the past few years,” King stated, “Businesses small and large across Texas are doing what it takes to balance their checkbooks in a fiscally responsible manner, and it is critical that the state government conduct business in the same way. By implementing a hiring freeze, we can save precious dollars during a time when every dollar counts. These funds can be directed to the critical services our state provides, such as educating our children and transportation.”

The State of Texas currently employs 295,882 full time equivalents [(FTEs) one FTE is any combination of employees whose hours total 40 hours a week]. H.B. 291 will be considered before the Texas Legislature when it convenes for the legislative session on January 8, 2013.