Middle Georgia Unemployed Await Congressional Decision On Benefits

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The unemployed in Middle Georgia and across the nation now sit in a tough spot–they have no job and no unemployment insurance.

Congress has yet to pass legislation that would reinstate the benefits, and there’s a chance they may not do so.

They had a warning.

“They were getting, kind of like a statement, or a warning I guess letting them know that you know that the benefits were gonna be exhausted,” said Bob Thompson.

But it still hit hard.

“But still, when it actually happens, it doesn’t make the blow any less easier to absorb,” said Thompson.

Because Congress passed new legislation that withdrew benefits from those who are unemployed, Middle Georgians visiting the Macon Career Center now face a challenge.

“They have been frustrated understandably so because their benefits have exhausted, but yet, they still haven’t secured employment so they’re kind of in a hard–in a tough spot right now.”

Bob Thompson is the Director of the Macon Career Center, which is a part of the Georgia Department of Labor.

They help folks find a job and handle unemployment insurance claims.

Thompson says they’re waiting on Congress to find an answer.

“Congress is contemplating authorizing some type of new extension. We don’t know what type of extension that may be, whether it will be for a certain number of months, is it for a year, is it going to be for a quarter. We don’t know yet how–what the time frame on this is going to be.”

Until then, the Career Center can help the unemployed by helping them find a job.

“Since there’s not a new extension in place right now,” said Thompson. “The next logical thing is to sit down with that person and try to do an extensive job search.”

The Career Center is located on Mercer University Drive, at the intersection of Columbus Avenue.

They offer resume help and can help you find a job quickly.