Peach Tree Times

Georgia's unemployment rate declined for the 13th consecutive month in May, dropping from 4.3 to 4.1% as the state successfully rebuilds its economy after the Covid-19 pandemic, CBS Atlanta reported.

The state’s economic recovery is further driven by the end of federal unemployment assistance on June 26. Initial unemployment claims fell by 25,109 from April to May, the Georgia Department of Labor said. Initial claims already fell by almost 2,000 the week before last week and were expected to freefall now that federal assistance has ended, Capital Beat said.

“Despite false attacks from the left and many in the media, the Peach State was the first state to safely reopen our economy and get more Georgians back to work and back to normal. Georgia continues to lead the nation in the economic recovery as our unemployment rate drops for the thirteenth straight month,” Gov. Brian Kemp said, CBS Atlanta reported.

Currently, EmployGeorgia has a record of approximately 200,000 jobs listed as recommendations for unemployed individuals who rely on financial assistance, meaning that nearly everyone currently receiving unemployment benefits will have the opportunity to get a job, Capital Beat said. 

A University of Chicago study found that states that cutting down the amount of unemployment benefit recipients could account for as much as 75% of increased job growth following the changes, 

States whose governors announced the increased benefits would end in June has reportedly seen the number of people receiving unemployment benefits decrease by 13.8% in the week ending June 12, compared to mid-May, Business Insider said.

“After 66 weeks of benefits during the pandemic and the release of $22.5 billion, we look forward to refocusing our organization on reemployment and helping claimants find a career path that will provide the stability and support necessary to provide for their families,” Georgia Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler said about the end of federal unemployment programs, Capital Beat reported.

Beginning July 4, claimants once again must submit their work search efforts to remain eligible for unemployment insurance payments by submitting weekly evidence of three verifiable contacts of work search activities, the Georgia Department of Labor said.

"Work search and registration with EmployGeorgia is part of the reemployment process. Unemployment insurance payments serve as a financial support for claimants, but the real support comes from the connection of job seekers with open positions," Butler said, the Department of Labor reported.