More work, same pay: state employees reeling from hiring freeze

AUSTIN (KXAN) — State workers say many state agencies can’t keep up with the workload after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a hiring freeze earlier this year. Many lay the blame at the feet of lawmakers for digging this hole in the first place.
Last budget, the state had $113 billion in state funds at its disposal. The state ended up spending less than the amount allotted. Lawmakers gave Texans $4 billion in tax relief and dedicated $5 billion to Texas highways. Then, the state didn’t