Gov. Kelly Ayotte on Wednesday signed an executive order implementing a hiring freeze in state government, carving out some exceptions.

She cited a need to “tighten our belts and live within our means” given the budget deficit the state faces. She said she informed the commissioners on Wednesday, and that the freeze will be used to “examine every agency and look for ways to do things better.” 

“Just like families do each day, we must match what goes out with what comes in,” Ayotte said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to work with our state’s leadership to make our government more efficient and provide further value for taxpayers.”

In taking the action, Ayotte once again mirrors President Donald Trump, who, as one of his first acts in office, instituted a federal hiring freeze. She also took inspiration from his creation of a Department of Government Efficiency, announcing a similar commission for the state during her inaugural address.

Ayotte’s order mandates that all vacant positions within the executive branch agencies remain unfilled, with certain exceptions. 

Her order exempts full- and part-time employees “whose roles are related to direct care at a state facility, child protective services, the enterprise functions of the Liquor and Lottery Commissions, and law enforcement – including corrections officers and troopers.” 

It also says that full- and part-time positions “funded either with 100 percent Federal funds, 100 percent restricted revenues, or a combination of federal funds and restricted revenues may be posted for internal applicants only.”

Outside those exceptions, agencies may submit a written request to Ayotte’s office requesting a waiver for a certain position. Granted waivers will be posted on the webpage for the governor’s office, the order said.

The order has no set expiration date, and will be in place until Ayotte terminates it.