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Joint Budget Committee approves letter urging executive agencies to pause nonessential hiring and spending
Summary
The Joint Budget Committee voted 5-0 (Taggart excused) to approve a draft letter asking executive-branch departments and some independent agencies to halt noncritical hiring and spending pending budget decisions, with carve-outs for safety- and health-related positions.
The Joint Budget Committee on Jan. 27 unanimously approved a draft letter urging state executive-branch agencies and related entities to pause nonessential hiring and discretionary spending while the legislature finalizes supplemental budget decisions. Vice Chair Byrd moved the committee to approve the draft and to authorize Senator Bridges to sign the letter on the committee’s behalf; the motion passed 5-0 with Senator Taggart excused.
The letter is designed as guidance rather than an enforceable order, and committee members said it should clearly exempt positions tied to public safety, health, and other mission-critical functions. Committee members asked staff to ensure the text distinguishes between "critical" hires and other positions and to circulate the letter to agency chief financial officers.
Sponsor and drafter Kathleen Bickel told the committee she wanted the letter to be sent widely to elected officials and department CFOs. "I would like to sign this one," she said during the meeting as the committee prepared to vote.
The committee discussed that the letter is not legally binding but stressed the importance of clear communication across the executive branch to avoid unnecessary spending before the legislature completes supplemental decisions. Members said they expected agency leaders to respond pragmatically, noting the letter’s intent is to avoid avoidable obligations that would complicate state finances.
The committee approved the letter with edits discussed on the record and authorized Senator Bridges to sign and send it to the listed recipients. The committee recessed until the next day for supplemental votes and additional comeback hearings.
