ICYMI: Business Community Applauds CARES Act Relief for Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund

Atlanta, GA – On Wednesday, October 14, Governor Brian Kemp announced his decision to allocate as much as $1.5 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funds from the CARES Act to repay borrowing for the Georgia Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, and prevent increases in state and federal unemployment taxes. Several leading trade organizations and advocacy groups in the Georgia business community issued statements in support of the decision.

Georgia EMC (@Georgia_EMC): "We applaud the commitment of @GovKemp to keep Georgia the #1 state to do business while the Peach state continues to recover from the impact of COVID-19."

Georgia Motor Trucking Association (@GATrucking): "Kudos to @GovKemp for this wise move to help protect Georgia businesses and the state's strong economic recovery."

Georgia Restaurant Association (@GRAToday): "Thank you @GovKemp! The GRA welcomes this news as it will greatly assist #restaurants in their recovery efforts, bringing employees back to work, and navigating the upcoming colder dining months."

The American Transaction Processors Coalition (@TransactAlley): "Congratulations to Gov. Brian Kemp on his announcement that $1.5 Billion in CARES Act Funding to be allocated to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The effort will benefit Georgia payments processors and their customers who were impacted by COVID-19"

Georgia Insurance & Safety Fire Commissioner John King: "This money will be a lifeline to all Georgians, including insurance and fire safety professionals who were laid off due to COVID-19. I will continue working with Governor Kemp to protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians."

Georgia Chamber of Commerce: “The Georgia Chamber commends Governor Kemp for appropriating $1.5B to replenish the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) trust fund which has been significantly depleted as a result of the pandemic’s impact on Georgia’s economy. The distribution of these benefits to Georgians experiencing COVID-recession job loss provide real peace of mind to our families as well as help sustain vital economic activity. As we look forward to recovery and a holistic return-to-work movement, it is crucial that our leaders find creative solutions to keep important programs funded without putting increased burdens on employers. Governor Kemp’s action today underscores his commitment to Georgia workers, job creators, and the continued economic prosperity of our state.” - Chris Clark, President & CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Metro Atlanta Chamber: "Georgia's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund provides an essential safety net for our workforce, particularly in tough times, as we are experiencing in 2020 due to COVID-19. Governor Kemp's decision to direct these funds to replenish the trust fund is welcome news. It will boost our state's economic recovery by allowing employers to put resources back into their businesses and bring on additional employees rather than paying higher taxes." - Marshall Guest, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, Business Climate, Metro Atlanta Chamber

NFIB Georgia: “2020 has been a challenging year for Georgia’s small business owners and employees. Today’s announcement means people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own because of the pandemic will have the support they need until they can return to work, and it relieves the financial pressure on the General Assembly to raise taxes on small businesses in order to support the Georgia Unemployment Trust Fund.” - Nathan Humphrey, State Director, NFIB Georgia

View the announcement from Governor Kemp's office: https://madmimi.com/p/7ddf511?pact=1196231-160298872-12479615646-e1d3d0…