Despite the state's ongoing hiring freeze, 317 classified jobs have been filled, as have 41 exempt spots.

Still, state officials say the freeze is expected to save about $9.6 million in salaries and benefits, and about 1,200 positions have been held open since it was implemented in November of last year.

Each exception to the freeze has required approval by the Department of Finance and Administration and the state Personnel Office.

One classified job that is expected be filled is the state historian's job. Estevan Rael-Gálvez recently announced he's leaving the post to work at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Most of the recently filled classified jobs are related to public safety and health, a spokesman for Gov. Bill Richardson said.

Other recently filled exempt, or appointed, jobs include a new spokesman at the Department of Transportation. Mark Slimp replaced former spokesman S.U. Mahesh, who has moved to the Taxation and Revenue Department.

New Mexico is not alone in granting exceptions to its freeze: A survey by The Associated Press found several states continued to hire employees despite budget restraints. Since a hiring freeze in September of last year in Pennsylvania, for example, that state put 1,000 new employees on its payrolls.

The hiring freeze is one way New Mexico is saving money. In February of this year, about 470 exempt employees were told they'd have to take a 2 percent pay cut.

That move is projected to save almost $1.3 million.

At least two exempt state employees have moved into classified positions, a move many see as guaranteeing job security near the end of a governor's term.

The state has 27,314 authorized full-time equivalent positions, of which 24,967 are currently filled.

States across the country have grappled with budget deficits and some have laid off state workers, something New Mexico lawmakers say they hope they don't have to do.

But with revenue projections slumping further, some have suggested they might not have a choice. Lawmakers are expected to meet this fall in a special session to deal with the budget.

Contact Kate Nash at 986-3036 or knash@sfnewmexican. com. Read her blog at www.greenchilechatter.com.