Jon Burns, Speaker of the House | Official U.S. House headshot
Jon Burns, Speaker of the House | Official U.S. House headshot
State Representative Anissa Jones has introduced House Bill 292, aiming to support the creation of living wage jobs in Georgia. The bill proposes a tax credit for employers who become certified as "living wage employers" with the Department of Community Affairs and hire individuals for new jobs paying a living wage for at least one year.
Rep. Jones stated, “HB 292 is a crucial step toward ensuring that hard-working Georgians are paid fairly for their labor and that small businesses are able to afford to do it.” She added, “This bill encourages employers to invest in their workforce by offering a tax credit for those who provide jobs that truly support families and communities. By incentivizing the creation of living wage jobs, we can drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Georgians.”
To qualify as a living wage employer under HB 292, businesses must have at least five employees. The job must be located within Georgia, involve a regular full-time work week of 30 hours or more, have no predetermined end date, and pay at least $15 per hour. Each qualifying employer would receive an income tax credit amounting to $3,500.
The legislation aims to encourage businesses to offer higher-paying jobs while ensuring tax credits are available for compliance. It also seeks to help Georgians transition from public assistance.
The full text of HB 292 is available online.