GARealcast: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance with Commissioner Mark Butler

I am joined today on Georgia REALTORS REALcast by Georgia's Labor Commissioner Mark Butler for an in-depth discussion of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits, which are unemployment benefits that are now available to those who are not ordinarily eligible, including individuals who are self-employed, gig workers, 1099 independent contractors, employees of churches, employees of non-profits, or those with limited work history who do not qualify for state unemployment benefits. Commission Butler helps us to separate myth from fact about the PUA program, as well as clarify the eligibility and the application process. Thank you to Commissioner Butler for his generous sharing of his time during this time!


Information on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) page on the Georgia Department of Labor website: https://dol.georgia.gov/pua


Visit the Georgia REALTORS® COVID-19 Resource Page, here: https://garealtor.com/members/member-resources/covid-19-resources-for-gar-members/


View the Georgia REALTORS® Best Practices Guide, here: https://garealtor.com/real-estate-is-an-essential-service-but-its-not-business-as-usual/?fbclid=IwAR0DdIHR_uI2P6uzuovM20L1Cq7wsC6o515-vzCRiEsnGarnzbzJSFIz9Do



COMMISSIONER MARK BUTLER: Mark Butler became Georgia’s first Republican Commissioner of Labor on January 10, 2011. Commissioner Butler’s continuing goal is to create valuable workforce solutions through strategic alliances and community relationships. Butler has developed several new programs that have strengthened the Labor Department’s relationships between employers, job seekers, and Georgia’s future workforce.

In 2013, Butler created the Business Services Unit which helps businesses streamline the hiring process by creating job descriptions and recruiting job seekers. Staffed with experts in the field of recruiting, applicants are screened and referred to the company based upon their qualifications. As a former business owner, Butler understands the benefits of government agencies partnering with businesses to encourage economic growth.

Strongly believing that a prepared workforce is key to Georgia’s economic future, Butler has also incorporated a first of its kind program, GeorgiaBEST. GeorgiaBEST began as a high school based certificate program to help students become “work ready” based on their understanding of soft skills and vital work habits. GeorgiaBEST has become so successful that the Georgia Department of Labor has recently expanded the program to include GeorgiaBEST@School (Pre-K through Post-Secondary), GeorgiaBEST@Work, and GeorgiaBEST@Home.

A native of Carrollton, Georgia, Butler graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Public Administration. Commissioner Butler and his family are members of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Carrollton.


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