Peach Tree Times

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and the state Department of Labor (GDOL) said that federal unemployment insurance supplement benefits of $300 extra per month will end for the state beginning June 26, WTVY reported. 

Kemp said during the announcement that the choice for the state to opt out of federal benefits is an attempt to incentivize people to get back to work instead of choosing unemployment benefits that is “hurting our productivity not only in Georgia but around the country,” WTVY reported. 

"Our job is not to provide wage replacement for individuals, but to offer career opportunities for Georgians to support their families and better their lives for years to come," Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said in a release. "Temporary financial support has served its short-term purpose, but providing training opportunities, increased certification and access to increased education provides long-term solutions."

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler | dol.georgia.gov

A news release from the GDOL said more than 239,000 job postings are listed on the EmployGeorgia website, the state's dedicated employment resource. Listings include an average salary of more than $49,932 annually. 

“Right now is the time to be looking. The job market right now is as hot as it’s ever been,” Butler said, as reported by WTVY. 

In April 82% of the state's population receiving unemployment and were earning less than $20,000 annually in their previous employment, but could earn approximately an equivalent salary of $28,808 on unemployment, the release said. 

According to WTVY, other federal programs Georgia will be opting out of in accordance to Butler's recommendations include Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which provides benefits to those who would not usually qualify, such as the self-employed, gig workers, and part-time workers, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, which gives an extension of benefits once regular benefits have been exhausted, and Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation, which provides an additional $100 benefit to certain people with mixed earnings."

For those still filing unemployment claims, they will be eligible to receive the $365 per week in insurance per state jobless benefits, WTVY reported.