As the federal government shutdown continues, over 110,000 workers in Georgia face missed paychecks and uncertain futures. The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL), together with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and WorkSource Georgia, is working to help these federal employees return to work.

Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes stated that since the shutdown began, the focus has been on mobilizing resources to support Georgia’s workers. GDOL is not only processing unemployment claims but is also preparing workers for their next steps. Through partnerships with TCSG and WorkSource Georgia, they are providing the tools, training, and guidance needed for these workers to move forward.

GDOL’s Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program offers tailored career counseling, labor market information, and access to training. These services aim to help unemployment claimants, including federal workers, find jobs quicker. Additionally, TCSG’s WorkSource Georgia Portal connects job seekers to résumé help, educational programs, and over 1,600 job listings statewide. Job seekers can explore training and opportunities in various high-demand sectors, such as logistics, healthcare, and IT.

TCSG also assists affected workers through its Rapid Response program, enabling dislocated workers to develop skills necessary for successful transitions into high-demand jobs.

The shutdown affects not only federal employees but also small businesses in Georgia. Rivera Holmes highlighted that lost income and halted contracts impact local economies. Federal estimates indicate a loss of about $443 million in funding in Georgia due to delayed federal contracts and frozen SBA loans during a one-month shutdown. Furthermore, missed paychecks result in reduced spending by federal workers, affecting restaurants, retailers, and service providers. This is coupled with a projected $458 million weekly decline in Georgia’s Gross State Product, emphasizing the need to link impacted workers and employers with resources.

Rivera Holmes stressed the importance of supporting not just individual employees but entire communities. The consequences of lost income extend to small businesses and local economies, prompting a commitment to provide Georgians with access to necessary support, skills, and opportunities.

For federal employees, GDOL offers several options for unemployment claims. Claims can be submitted online or in person at GDOL career centers. Furloughed workers are considered job-attached for the first six weeks and are not required to seek work. They can track their claim status online, and any changes in employment status should be reported to maintain eligibility for benefits.

For further resources during the shutdown, individuals are encouraged to visit the Georgia Department of Labor’s website.