New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte is tightening the belt of state government ahead of what promises to be a grueling budget process, with state leaders expected

Gov. Kelly Ayotte is implementing a hiring freeze for state employees ahead of what's expected to be a difficult budget process.

Since July, revenue from the state’s major business taxes, which account for about 40% of state collections, have come in more than $80 million shy of forecast.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte on Wednesday signed an executive order implementing a hiring freeze in state government, carving out some exceptions. She cited a need to “tighten our belts and live within our means” given the budget deficit the state faces.

Seeking to head off a state budget deficit in the current year, Gov. Kelly Ayotte ordered a freeze on non-essential hiring throughout state government.