TCC urging Georgia Governor to push people receiving unemployment to seek employment

Toccoa Vice Mayor Jeanette Jamieson asked her fellow Commissioners for support in sending a message to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp that Toccoa businesses are suffering due to not being able to attract new employees because of extended unemployment benefits.

On Monday, during the Toccoa City Commission meeting, Jamieson explained that several local restaurants are being forced to reduce their hours because they can’t find anyone willing to work.

Jamieson recommended the Commission send a letter to Kemp explaining the issue.

“I have a grave concern, and I’d like to involve the city commission in it. Brian Westmoreland (owner of X-factor Grill) told me today that he will no longer open at night because he cannot get help. Bell’s Restaurant has gone to four, 10-hour days because they cannot get help, and the theory is, and I think it certainly has a basis, that people are going on unemployment and they’re no longer required to seek work. I think the city of Toccoa should send a letter to governor asking him to add a provision that if a person is receiving state unemployment, and that’s what’s happening, they’re getting state unemployment and federal and it gives them a cushion of income the first $10,200 a year, which is tax free, and they’re not required to seek work,” she said.

She said this has become a crisis for the community.

“This is having a negative effect on all of our restaurants and other businesses. I think it’s our responsibility to ask the governor for a resolution that simply says ‘if they’re unemployment has any part of state funds in it, that they are once again required to seek work, and if they’re offered a job at a reasonable rate of pay and do not accept it, then they will lose the state part of that unemployment.’ This has gotten to a crisis in this community,” she said.

Commissioner David Austin said he supports Jamieson’s idea; but, is afraid that this is a federal issue rather than something the state could address.

“I support that also, but, I would make this comment, I’m afraid, because the federal government under this current administration has dictated this, it may be an exercise of futility, but I will certainly support Jeanette’s idea,” he said.

Jamieson said she believes the state can control the state’s funds.

Commissioner Gail Fry recommended the city reach out to the Georgia Municipal Association to get other cities involved because this issue is unlikely exclusive to Toccoa.

Jamieson made a motion instructing City Attorney John Dickerson to pen a resolution and letter expressing the Commission’s concerns.

Austin seconded the motion.

The motion was approved unanimously.