State Needs to Fill Vacant Positions to Maintain Public Services
In order to have a government that is open, accountable, and responsive to Marylanders’ needs, the state needs adequately staffed government agencies. Right now, many state agencies aren’t functioning at their best because they don’t have enough people to do the work, according to recent analysis by the Department of Legislative Services (DLS), which provides nonpartisan analysis to the General Assembly. The agency’s analysis found that Maryland’s government needs to fill 1,200 existing positions and add nearly 1,300 additional positions in order fulfill its mission. These findings come after a two-year review of Executive Branch staffing needs based on laws, regulations, caseload guidelines, agency staffing studies, and other documentation.
These vacancies are not a new problem. Since 2002, the state has abolished almost 7,700 positions at state agencies, not counting higher education positions. Moreover, Maryland’s response to changes in the economy contributes to staffing declines. Cost containment hiring freezes, limited increases in employee compensation since the Great Recession, and uncompetitive salary levels hamper the State’s ability to attract and retain employees. For example, a Missouri study found that Maryland ranks 29th in state government pay in comparison to its cost of living. Factors such as employee compensation are partially a contributor to low government staffing.
As shown in the chart below, the Department of the Environment, Office of the Public Defender, and the State Department of Assessments and Taxation are the agencies with the greatest staffing needs, with 200 + additional positions required. In fact, all of the agencies most in need of additional staff are in the law enforcement, legal aid, revenue, and environmental services. Leaving these agencies under-staffed is bad for our public safety, health, and environment.
Source: Spending Affordability Briefing, November 14, 2017, Maryland Department of Legislative Services
Understaffed government agencies threaten the quality of public services that Marylanders need and deserve. It is important that Governor Hogan work with his cabinet secretaries to fill vacant positions and to provide new positions to agencies.
