Alaska imposes hiring freeze, out-of-state travel ban for state workers

Ben Stevens, Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s chief of staff, speaks at a forum last year. On Monday, Stevens announced a freeze on hiring new state workers and suspended all out-of-state travel for state workers. (Photo by Nat Herz/Alaska Public Media)

The state has instituted a freeze on hiring new state workers, and has suspended all out-of-state travel for state workers.

Ben Stevens, the chief of staff to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, said in a memo to state workers on Monday that these are cost-saving measures in reaction to lower oil prices. He did not cite coronavirus.

Legislative leaders also announced restrictions on out-of-state travel.

Senate President Cathy Giessel explained that their decision was based on health precautions.

“There’s a virus out there,” she said, “And if someone comes in and infects the others, we have to close.”

The restriction is intended to protect legislators and their aides as well as the Legislature’s ability to function during the session in Juneau. The leaders also strongly suggested staff’s personal out-of-state travel be curtailed.

The state’s hiring freeze applies to all positions that aren’t defined as essential to protect Alaskans. The out-of-state travel suspension affects all state workers.

This story has been updated.

Andrew Kitchenman

State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media & KTOO

State government plays an outsized role in the life of Alaskans. As the state continues to go through the painful process of deciding what its priorities are, I bring Alaskans to the scene of a government in transition.

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