The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved eliminating about 500 vacant state positions to help address the state's budget deficit, according to the board's meeting agenda for Wednesday.

The cuts include 332 jobs vacated through a Voluntary Separation Program and about 170 other vacant positions.

The job cuts are part of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's plan to reduce personnel spending and close a projected shortfall in the state's general fund.

According to the Department of Budget and Management, the reductions fulfill a requirement in the fiscal 2026 budget bill directing the agency to abolish vacant positions to save money.

The Voluntary Separation Program, launched in July year under an executive order, offered employees a $20,000 lump-sum payment and six months of s

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