Gov. Brown Orders Hiring Freeze

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Governor Jerry Brown announced Tuesday he is issuing an immediate and "comprehensive" hiring freeze for state jobs.

Brown's executive order calls for "strong measures" to help close the estimated $25 billion deficit, and comes on the heels of his other orders to cut state cell phone and vehicle use by 50 percent.

"We must do everything possible to save money and make government leaner and more efficient," Brown said in a press release.

The language of the order prevents state departments from hiring new workers -- including contract and temporary workers -- converting part time positions to full time or transferring employees between departments.

The only exceptions are for "essential" positions, such as disaster response workers or employees who care for patients in 24-hour care facilities. Revenue collection positions and critical functions can also make hires with the approval of Governor Brown's office.

Brown also called for city and county governments to follow his lead.

The measure is one of Brown's efforts to fulfill his goal of cutting $363 million in operational costs.