PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — State. Rep. Gene Whisnant of Sunriver says Oregon’s budget system allows agencies to use unfilled positions as a slush fund or hedge against budget cuts.
The Oregonian reports he is sponsoring a bill that would require agencies to eliminate positions open longer than six months.
State records show more than 4,000 budgeted positions were vacant as of the end of January.
State budget analyst George Naughton says open job slots are the result of retirements or other turnover, and sometimes specific requirements make them difficult to fill.
