Peach Tree Times

Gov. Brian Kemp recently announced that Georgia now has more jobs than it did before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state ’s unemployment rate has dropped for 15 straight months, hitting 3.7% in July, the lowest in the nation among the 10 most populated states. 

"With nearly 84,000 jobs added in the last two months and the lowest unemployment rate of the 10 most populous states, Georgia's economic momentum continues to lead the nation," Kemp said in a news release. "In the industry sectors of trade, transportation, utilities and business services, Georgia now has more jobs than prior to the pandemic, with restaurants and hotels also adding over 15,000 jobs since June. Coming off a record fiscal year for new investments and job growth in the Peach State, my administration will continue to protect both lives and livelihoods and make sure Georgia stays open for business."

In May, Kemp announced that Georgia was ending the $300 federal weekly unemployment supplement. Business groups, including the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, pushed for ending the federal benefits, arguing that it was contributing to a labor shortage, WTVY reported.

Kemp said the federal payments were  “hurting our productivity not only in Georgia but around the country,” the station reported.

After Georgia ended the federal unemployment supplements in June, the job numbers soared.

“The state has seen growth of almost 84,000 jobs and has seen a 300% increase in the number of people employed from June to July," Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said in a statement. "We are seeing all-time high job numbers in many sectors. The job market is saturated with opportunities for job seekers, and we are working to connect employers with candidates for long-term employment."

There are 192,000 job openings listed on the state’s job board, Employ Georgia, Butler said.

“In many cases, employers are willing to train quality candidates and assist with obtaining additional credentials,” Butler said.