DHR outlines vacancy, hiring and investigation trends as Appropriations members press for detail
January 31, 2026 | Appropriations, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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The House Appropriations Committee on Jan. 30 questioned the Department of Human Resources about workforce pressures, hiring timelines and workplace investigations.
Beth Fastigi, commissioner of the Department of Human Resources, said the department processed 257,286 paychecks last year and manages benefits and payroll in‑house. She told members that the state's medical plan has been a significant cost driver, with an average annual premium increase of about 11.4% over five years and a 9% increase for 2026.
On hiring and vacancy metrics, Fastigi said DHR posted 1,851 job openings in the year and received more than 15,000 unique applications (transcript figures were imprecise); the department hired just over 1,000 new employees and recorded numerous internal promotions. Committee members said time to fill is about two‑and‑a‑half months; Fastigi said the minimum posting requirement is 10 business days and postings may be extended if applicant pools are weak.
Fastigi told the committee DHR ran approximately 392 class reviews in 2025 affecting 1,330 employees and warned that class reviews can create unplanned budget impacts. She also described workplace investigations: DHR has six investigator positions and aims to complete 80% of investigations within 90 days. Committee members referenced that DHR handled "over 200" investigations last year; Fastigi said expanding the supervisor mandatory‑reporter requirement increased reports and early detection of issues.
Fastigi noted separations and turnover patterns: transcript figures indicate roughly 950 separations in 2025, with about 627 voluntary separations, 204 retirements and 111 involuntary terminations. She said employees with fewer than five years of service account for the majority of voluntary separations. Fastigi encouraged committee members to consult the department's workforce report (submitted Jan. 15) for detailed breakdowns by department, retirement eligibility and vacancy rates.
Committee members asked about a remote‑work policy; Fastigi declined to discuss specifics while litigation is pending and pointed members to prior testimony from Secretary Clark and material posted on the DHR website for those details.
Beth Fastigi, commissioner of the Department of Human Resources, said the department processed 257,286 paychecks last year and manages benefits and payroll in‑house. She told members that the state's medical plan has been a significant cost driver, with an average annual premium increase of about 11.4% over five years and a 9% increase for 2026.
On hiring and vacancy metrics, Fastigi said DHR posted 1,851 job openings in the year and received more than 15,000 unique applications (transcript figures were imprecise); the department hired just over 1,000 new employees and recorded numerous internal promotions. Committee members said time to fill is about two‑and‑a‑half months; Fastigi said the minimum posting requirement is 10 business days and postings may be extended if applicant pools are weak.
Fastigi told the committee DHR ran approximately 392 class reviews in 2025 affecting 1,330 employees and warned that class reviews can create unplanned budget impacts. She also described workplace investigations: DHR has six investigator positions and aims to complete 80% of investigations within 90 days. Committee members referenced that DHR handled "over 200" investigations last year; Fastigi said expanding the supervisor mandatory‑reporter requirement increased reports and early detection of issues.
Fastigi noted separations and turnover patterns: transcript figures indicate roughly 950 separations in 2025, with about 627 voluntary separations, 204 retirements and 111 involuntary terminations. She said employees with fewer than five years of service account for the majority of voluntary separations. Fastigi encouraged committee members to consult the department's workforce report (submitted Jan. 15) for detailed breakdowns by department, retirement eligibility and vacancy rates.
Committee members asked about a remote‑work policy; Fastigi declined to discuss specifics while litigation is pending and pointed members to prior testimony from Secretary Clark and material posted on the DHR website for those details.
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