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New Mexico governor orders hiring freeze to save cash

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has ordered a hiring freeze for all agencies under her control, a move designed to save cash pending a political standoff over funding state government and public schools. Martinez announced the freeze Thursday in a memo sent to her cabinet secretaries. She's still disappointed that the Democratic-controlled Legislature sent her a budget built on $350 million in tax increases and fee hikes. The two-term Republican governor has vowed not to raise taxes, but lawmakers say the lack of new revenue and the downturn in the oil and gas industry has forced the state's hand. Martinez plans to call lawmakers back to Santa Fe to renegotiate a balanced budget, but it's unclear when that might happen. Despite the freeze, some hiring will continue for jobs identified as critical for public safety and health.