Following Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature of an executive order in March directing state agencies to give hiring preference to federal employees, the state has now received approximately 3,800 applications from about 2,000 people with public service credentials, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The state had received approximately 1,100 applications from roughly 700 people with experience in the federal workforce as of March 17.

The state has also added a step to the hiring process for jobs that depend on federal money. As of April 10, “agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction must seek prior approval before hiring personnel into positions that are funded in whole or in part by federal dollars,” Daniel Egan, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Office of Administration, said. “Agencies that want to fill a position that is not exempt from the hiring freeze must obtain prior approval from the Office of the Budget and the Governor’s Office.”

Egan noted that some positions are excluded from the freeze, including those that “provide direct care of patients, residents, and clients and positions deemed to be mission critical to agency operations.” He added that at least 7,800 state jobs are funded partially or in full by federal dollars, according to The Inquirer.

Most applications are for the following positions: “Unemployment Compensation Claims Intake Interviewer,” “Clerical Assistant,” “Driver License Examiner Assistant,” and “Public Health Program Administrator,” according to a list provided by the Office of Administration.

As of the first week of April, roughly 6.8% of state government salaried positions were vacant, The Inquirer said.

On Thursday, April 17, the White House announced that the freeze on the hiring of federal civilian employees within the executive branch has been extended.