OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Gov. Jay Inslee has called for a hiring freeze in light of what he calls a “significant” budget deficit.

Inslee announced the freeze on Monday, Dec. 2, on all non-essential positions, service contracts, goods and equipment purchases and travel for state agencies. He says it comes as the state is facing a critical shortfall in its operating budget following the latest revenue projections.

According to the Washington State Office of Financial Managment, economists are forecasting a $10 to $12 billion budget deficit over the next four and a half years.

The hiring freeze does not affect positions that directly impact public safety, are deemed essential to the health and welfare activities of the state government, generate revenue or fill federal requirements.

Inslee is also calling on non-cabinet agencies, higher-education institutions and other elected officials to impose similar restrictions.

He says the freeze will remain in effect indefinitely.