In anticipate of budget cuts, Department of Corrections Director Joe Allbaugh instituted a purchasing freeze on Wednesday.
The purchasing freeze, which comes after a hiring freeze enacted last week, is effective immediately. It restricts agency purchases to essential products and services, such as inmates’ food, medical care, and janitorial supplies. Other purchases, such as vehicles or computers, will require the Director’s approval.
ODOC enacted the hiring and purchasing freezes after the failure last week of the Step Up Oklahoma proposal in the State House of Representatives. Budget cuts to all state agencies are expected after the state Senate and House passed HB1020XX on Wednesday.
“This freeze is part of our continuing efforts to be frugal and find efficiencies in our operations as we plan for these cuts,” Allbaugh said. “DOC has always prided itself on operating efficiently, and we will continue looking for ways to remain good stewards of our state’s resources.”
