Atlanta, GA – On Thursday, May 13th, Governor Brian P. Kemp, in coordination with state labor officials, announced Georgia's economic recovery plan to get more Georgians back into the workforce and support Peach State businesses.

Following the announcement by Governor Kemp and Labor Commissioner Mark Butler, several Georgia business organizations issued statements of support:

National Federal of Independent Businesses (NFIB)
"This was a difficult decision, but we believe Governor Kemp made the right one. When the pandemic began and businesses scaled back or closed altogether, many people lost their jobs, and Congress stepped up and provided these additional benefits so families could get through this crisis. One year later, Georgia’s economy is improving and businesses are hiring, but no one’s applying. That’s making it hard for businesses to meet customers’ needs and fully recover from the COVID-19 downturn. The supplemental federal assistance is having the unintended consequence of discouraging some people from reentering the workforce. Our hope is that by ending the additional payments, more people will return to work," said NFIB State Director Nathan Humphrey.

Georgia Highway Contractors Association 
"The Georgia Highway Contractors Association thanks Governor Kemp and State Labor Commissioner Butler for announcing today's Georgia Economic Recovery Plan. Our industry was blessed to be deemed essential by Governor Kemp during this unprecedented pandemic. Georgia's roadbuilders and contractors are some of the hardest working men and women in our state and today's actions will ensure our industry can fill the much needed job opportunities that hard working Georgians deserve," said David Moellering, President and CEO.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce: 
"The Georgia Chamber applauds Governor Brian Kemp and Department of Labor Commissioner Mark Butler for addressing Georgia’s growing labor shortage crisis. Today’s actions will help facilitate filling hundreds of thousands of available jobs and successfully getting Georgians back to work. We also encourage Georgia job creators to work with the Department of Labor and other organizations to address transition needs for new workers. "

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Press Secretary Mallory Blount

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Deputy Press Secretary Emily Flower