COLUMBUS, Ohio — Financially strapped states that have announced a freeze on all but essential hiring have made thousands of exceptions for zookeepers, dog wardens, golf-course grounds keepers, boxing inspectors, state-fair workers and the like, an Associated Press review of hiring records has found.
“What’s the point of the order if you’re not going to follow it?” grumbled Ohio state Rep. John Adams, a Republican and owner of a furniture store. “In this economy, honor your hiring freeze. I don’t know any businesses that are hiring right now.”
In ordering the hiring freezes, several governors said the dire economy required tough choices, and they promised that exceptions would be made only to fill the most crucial jobs, such as police officers.
State officials say that while some of the thousands of nonemergency hires they have made since then — such as dog wardens — might seem questionable, the employees are necessary to keep basic functions of government running, are required by law or are necessary to bring in revenue that states so desperately need.
For example, in Ohio, which just hired two greenskeepers, the state’s six golf courses bring in nearly $2 million a year in greens fees, said Ohio Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Beth Ruth. “These are people who are critical to maintaining that revenue stream,” she said.
An April report by the National Conference of State Legislatures found at least 43 states are projecting deficits totaling more than $121 billion next year. The nonprofit Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington said at least 27 states have imposed hiring freezes amid budget problems.
“In the current uncertain economic climate, we must be especially prudent stewards of Pennsylvania’s resources,” Gov. Ed Rendell said in ordering a September hiring freeze. Since then, Pennsylvania has brought in more than 1,000 new employees, including a press secretary earning $84,000.
Even with the exceptions, many states are still saving money. Minnesota hired more than 7,400 workers since Gov. Tim Pawlenty clamped down on hiring in February 2008, including 62 workers at the Minnesota Zoo. But almost as many employees left state government during that time.
Exceptions include dog wardens, typists
Alabama: Gov. Bob Riley imposed a hiring freeze Dec. 15, then hired three former administration chiefs, one earning $80,000.
Alaska: Gov. Sarah Palin’s four-month freeze allowed 384 exemptions, including 11 motor-vehicle customer-service reps.
Colorado: In an October-to-April freeze, the state hired 2,390 workers and lost 1,879, for a net gain of 511, including dozens of seasonal workers such as park rangers and snowplow drivers.
Connecticut: Among exceptions were 1,901 seasonal workers such as lifeguards, 222 employees who received job offers before the freeze, 214 prison guards and 64 state police officers.
Minnesota: The state has hired 7,422 workers since restrictions began Feb. 19, 2008.
New York: The state has hired 38,790 workers since an Aug. 15 hiring freeze.
Ohio: Golf-course workers, parks officers and 17 administrators were among 777 exceptions to its January 2008 hiring limits.
Pennsylvania: Among the 1,374 workers hired since a Sept. 16 hiring freeze were a press secretary, two dog wardens, a veterinarian and seven clerk typists.
