Anne Arundel County Freezes Hiring Amid State Budget Deficit

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh has announced a temporary hiring freeze that takes effect immediately.

In a statement Friday, Schuh says there is a looming state budget deficit that demands necessary action from the county. He says the hiring freeze will help the county continue to invest in its priorities.

The hiring freeze will not affect the hiring of emergency responders or public safety officers, including police, firefighters or detention personnel.

Schuh tells The Capital he wants to set aside money to hire 20 new police officers and 20 new firefighters next year, along with additional corrections officers.