WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) led members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal calling for reforms to the federal/state unemployment insurance system. 

Joining Congresswoman Williams in signing the letter are Reps. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Lucy McBath (GA-06), and David Scott (GA-13).

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has ended federally funded programs to provide unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision will hurt 347,442 Georgians who are relying on an already-struggling state unemployment insurance system. 

In their letter to Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Neal, the Members write: 

“We urge support for permanently reforming the unemployment insurance system so that it provides meaningful support for those who are actively looking for work. Given our experience in Georgia, this means requiring states to follow basic federal standards related to coverage, benefit levels, and duration. We look forward to working with you toward this vital objective.”

The full text of the letter is available here. 

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov