Peach Tree Times

The July jobs report for Georgia showed that the state's COVID-19 economic recovery is all peaches and roses. 

The report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that Georgia saw its employment rate decline for the 15th straight month, staying well below the national average. The rate has now returned to pre-pandemic levels at 3.7%, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

In June, Gov. Brian Kemp ended extra federal unemployment dollars and reinstated the work-search requirement, resulting in a massive reduction in unemployment claims, Peachtree Times reported.

"Georgia's economic momentum continues as jobs increase and our unemployment rate remains the lowest of the 10 most populous states," Kemp said in a July press release. "While the media and their partisan allies falsely attacked Georgia's approach to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting both lives and livelihoods during unprecedented times is paying off for countless Peach State families. Our world-class business environment is attracting jobs and investment from across the country and around the world, and more hardworking Georgians are re-entering the workforce."

Kemp highlighted that Georgia has added over 84,000 jobs in the past two months, including 43,600 in July alone, and now has more jobs than before the pandemic. 

"With nearly 84,000 jobs added in the last two months and the lowest unemployment rate of the ten most populous states, Georgia's economic momentum continues to lead the nation," Kemp said, according to Athens CEO. "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."