How can we strengthen the job market in Georgia?

Employers are drawn to states where parents can be assured educational prospects for their children, higher quality of life, and the well being of their families. For these reasons, Georgia is one of the fastest growing states in the nation and is an attractive location to many diverse industries. To stay competitive, we must continue to offer low taxes, improve our workforce development, and provide incentives for quality industries to locate in our state. As Labor Commissioner, I will build on Georgia’s strong foundation by developing a blueprint in which our school systems, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Economic Development work hand-in-hand with our stakeholders in the business community to prepare our citizens for the next generation of jobs.

Are we doing enough to help Georgians?

DOL can improve its ability to identify those who would benefit from re-training opportunities to meet the changing needs of today’s economy. DOL can also help employers by improving its relationships with Georgia’s business community, understanding their workforce needs, and better connecting them with qualified job-seekers.

What can we do in schools?

As Labor Commissioner, I will be actively involved in working with the Department of Education, The Technical College System of Georgia, and the Board of Regents to ensure that the private sector has a voice in the development of innovative programs to teach and train our future workforce. I will work to expand and enhance successful programs aimed at reducing the drop-out rate and developing the workforce in local communities for specific industries.

Who should receive services from DOL?

As Labor Commissioner, I will be advocating for jobs for our citizens. I will take steps to ensure that state benefits only go to legal Georgia residents. I will also advocate for random drug testing for anyone receiving unemployment benefits. Individuals who are doing drugs are not available and ready to work.

How will you work with rehabilitation services?

I believe everyone is capable of working and most people want to work, including people with disabilities. Successful and meaningful employment starts with person-centered planning strategies, utilizes customized and supported employment techniques, and job-sharing.

What else can Georgia do to attract jobs?

Flexibility of the workforce and basic, transferable skills are the most critical factors in being prepared for new and emerging industries. In Georgia, there has not been a significant focus to identify those skill sets and determine how they can be transferred across industry lines. Approximately 75 percent of all jobs created in our country are from expansion of existing companies or new start-ups. We also need to help our citizens develop the skills necessary to become entrepreneurs and work within a small business environment. Understanding the skill set requirements of our existing businesses and developing programs to train our workforce in those skills will help our citizens become the flexible workforce needed to retain and grow jobs for Georgians.