State commissioner announces plan to streamline Department of Labor

Georgia Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes has announced sweeping changes to the state Department of Labor to streamline access to unemployment benefits and connect workers to in-demand jobs. 

“This is a new era – not just for labor, but for leadership,” Rivera Holmes said in a release announcing the plan. “We’re building a department that leads with clarity, delivers with precision and earns the public’s trust every day. Together, we are driving change by streamlining operations, modernizing systems and building a culture of transparency, responsiveness and results. We’re redefining how government serves its people – and we’re just getting started.” 

Much of the changes come in the form of updated computer systems, replacing the department decades old unemployment insurance platform. The new system, already starting to rollout, improves user experience and is designed to accelerate claims processing while reducing fraud. 

Delays caused by the old claims system, explained Rivera Holmes in a phone call further discussing the plan, led to a heavy call volume at department of labor centers across the state and a bottleneck of workers seeking benefits. 

“We have begun the implementation and it’s a play that will unfold as the months move on,” the commissioner said. “That will eliminate some of the call center volume.” 

The department will also work to expand infrastructure to connect workers with in-demand, high paying job opportunities. These connections will come through partnerships is educational institutions, local communities and employers. 

Georgia releases an annual high demand career list, highlighting industries and jobs in growing sectors. The 2026 list has been released, but state law allows for a review and appeal time period. The list will become effective on Jan. 1. 

In demand careers range from arts and entertainment to travel and logistics. The most in demand careers remain in healthcare and education. 

“That looks like aligning job training and skills training with high demand jobs,” Rivera Holmes said. 

Changes also include a plain-language overhaul to department of labor information, making available resources and department processes easier to understand. 

Still in her first year helming the labor department, the changes stem from traveling the state and talking to workers and employers. Rivera Holmes, appointed commissioner by Gov. Brian Kemp, was sworn in April 4. 

“During my statewide tour, I’ve heard from parents waiting weeks for unemployed checks. From small business owners struggling to find skilled worker. From Georgians who felt like government had forgotten them,” Rivera Holmes said in the release. “That’s exactly why we’re taking decisive action to deliver the level of service every Georgian deserves – efficient, responsive and built to last.”