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A Senate study committee that has been tasked with identifying ways to “foster a robust workforce and thriving business environment” across the state held its first meeting at the Georgia Experience Center. The committee, which was established pursuant to Senate Resolution 275 during the 2023 Legislative Session with bipartisan support, also unveiled its new website.

The Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce is chaired by Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, and will hold meetings throughout the state this summer. It is expected to bring recommendations back to their colleagues in the 2024 legislative session.

“During the 2023 session, reducing barriers for Georgia’s workforce was a top priority for the Senate” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Senate led initiatives, like Senate Bill 3 and Senate Bill 157, were a starting point. Experts on this study committee, along with other stakeholders, are going to review current best practices and programs focused on expanding Georgia’s workforce across all industries.

“They will also identify workforce shortages along with barriers preventing willing and able Georgians to gain employment. I am confident this committee’s work will lead to recommendations on how to best expand opportunities for Georgia’s workforce,” Jones added.

The resolution creating the committee states: “it is in the state’s best interest to examine its current practices, pilot programs, and public-private partnerships and initiatives regarding workforce development across Georgia.”

The resolution also stresses the importance of developing a “modern and experienced workforce and a flexible labor market, both of which are critical to growing and sustaining Georgia’s business environment.”

Joining Albers on the committee are:

● Sen. Brandon Beach (R–Alpharetta)

● Sen. Jason Esteves (D-Atlanta)

● Sen. Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta)

● Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro)

● Champ Bailey

● Joseph McDermott

● Ryan Pernice

● Greg Dozier, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia

● Dave Williams, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Talent at Metro Atlanta Chamber

● Daniela Perry, Vice President of the Georgia Chamber Foundation

“Georgia has the strongest business environment in the nation,” said Albers, “but concerns about our workforce have been growing over the course of the past few years. Georgia has been named the number one state to do business for nine years running, and if we want to continue claiming that title, we must ensure that our industries have a steady flow of experienced workers in a flexible labor market. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members as we develop a plan to strengthen and sustain a thriving business environment in Georgia.”