LSO analysts calculated an average percentage of filled positions in state agencies over the four-year period. Agency directors often distribute unused funds for vacant positions to existing employees to cover raises, he said. Rep. Jeff Ehlers, R-Meridian, who co-chairs the DOGE Task Force, said members will want to know the dollar amount. The task force likely will recommend to the Legislature’s budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee how it can reduce the number of state-funded positions, he said. Eliminating “unnecessary” employee positions is one of three responsibilities given to the DOGE Task Force.