Gov. Wes Moore (D), seen here at a 2023 hiring event in Baltimore vowed at the time to dramatically slash state job vacancies in an effort to “rebuild state government.” On Thursday, Moore announced details of a buyout plan that is part of an effort to cut $121 million from the budget. The plan also includes a hiring freeze. (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters).
Thousands of state employees were notified by email Thursday of a buyout program, part of a plan by Gov. Wes Moore (D) to reduce the size of state government and cut $121 million from ongoing personnel expenses.
Details of the “voluntary separation program” were also posted on the website of the state Department of Budget and Management. The plan, first announced in late June, offers eligible, full-time employees in the executive branch $20,000, plus an additional $300 for each year of service. It will also cover six months of paid state health benefits and pay out unused leave and compensatory time…