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 to face difficult decisions amid projected revenue shortfalls and declining federal funding.

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

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.

In an executive order issued Wednesday afternoon, Ayotte implemented a hiring freeze that exempts certain sectors, including state police and corrections.

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.