Mayor Vincent Gray Orders Freeze on Hiring, Pay Raises

Gray has ordered a freeze on hiring and pay raises because of concerns that city government agencies are overspending

District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray has ordered a freeze on hiring and pay raises because of concerns that city government agencies are overspending.

The order was issued Wednesday and took effect immediately. It was made public on Friday.

Under the order, the district government is barred from hiring new non-essential employees. It also mandates a freeze on promotions, pay raises, bonuses and awards. Travel for city workers has also been restricted, and workers are barred from attending conferences or seminars unless they're in district government facilities or they pay their own way.

The order is meant to address potential "spending pressures" -- warnings issued to city agencies that they are overspending their budgets. The city is required by law to maintain a balanced budget.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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