In what is becoming an annual ritual, Gov. Bobby Jindal has again issued a partial hiring freeze on executive branch agencies in state government.
The hiring freeze covers the 2012-13 fiscal year that began July 1.
For most agencies, Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater will set a number of vacant positions that the offices can't fill. If they want to add new workers who will shrink the number of vacancies below that benchmark, the agencies will need Rainwater's permission.
The move is similar to what Jindal has done in prior fiscal years, trying to control state government costs. The goal listed in the executive order is to save $13 million in the state's general fund.
The state's elected officials and the Louisiana Legislature aren't covered by the governor's order.