Posted on 07/12/25
| News Source: WBAL
Baltimore, MD - July 12. 2025 - Days after implementing a hiring freeze for state jobs, the Wes Moore administration is now offering some employees a buyout.
According to a letter sent to state employees, it’s all in an effort to cut $121 million in costs for the 2026 budget.
For those eligible, the buyout includes a lump sum of $20,000, $300 for each year worked and state-paid health benefits for six months.
One economist told 11 News the incentive package could be very attractive to certain groups.
“It would probably be appealing to a younger state employee who possibly sees opportunities elsewhere in the private sector. This is a good opportunity,” said Daraius Irani, chief economist at Towson University.
In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey, R-District 36, said:
“Governor Moore is finally recognizing that the Republicans have better ideas when it comes to fiscal responsibility.
“It was the Republicans’ idea to downsize state government through hiring freezes, eliminating vacant pins and voluntary layoffs.
“But simply because Republicans provided these ideas during the 90-day legislative session, the Democrat leadership was unwilling to accept them and chose to raise taxes and fees and force Marylanders to pay more for bloated government.”
Not all state employees are eligible. Click the link for more information on eligibility requirements and key dates.