Today Governor Brian Kemp signed an Executive Order allowing Department of Labor Commissioner Mark Butler to issue two new emergency rules to address the need for economic relief due to large numbers of unemployment claims.
Today Governor Brian Kemp signed an Executive Order allowing Department of Labor Commissioner Mark Butler to issue two new emergency rules to address the need for economic relief due to large numbers of unemployment claims.
One of the two new rules issued extends the length of time an individual can collect unemployment benefits from 14 weeks to 26 weeks. The second rule allows for the first $300 of wages earned in a week to not count against eligible unemployment benefits paid. This allows individuals who have been laid off for example, to get a part time job and make up to $300 a week while still claiming full unemployment benefits.
“We understand Georgia businesses and workers are anxious during the COVID-19 public health crisis about how to take care of themselves, their families, and their businesses,” said Butler in the press release. “We are making unprecedented modifications to policies to help all Georgians survive this economic hardship and get us all back to work.”
These two new rules are the latest in a series of steps the Department of Labor has taken to mitigate the economic impact of this public health emergency.
