WASHINGTON (AP) – District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray has ordered a freeze on hiring and pay raises because of concerns that city government agencies are overspending.
Pedro Ribeiro, a spokesman for the mayor, says the freeze is merely a continuation of a policy that’s been in place for the past two years. The new order was issued Wednesday and made public on Friday.
Under the order, all hires, raises, bonuses and travel for city workers must be approved by the city administrator.
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.
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