Georgia's workforce and businesses are at a crossroads, and the stakes have never been higher. But here's the bold truth: the systems meant to support them are stuck in the past, leaving workers and employers struggling to keep up. As Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes, I’ve made it my mission to change that. My grandfather’s words, 'Luchando Pa'lante' (Fighting Forward), have guided my family’s journey from Cuba to America, and now they inspire my vision for Georgia. This isn’t just a personal motto—it’s the heartbeat of our state, embodied in the grit of early-rising workers, the resilience of small businesses, and the determination of every Georgian chasing a brighter future.
When Governor Brian Kemp appointed me earlier this year, I didn’t start with speeches. Instead, I hit the road, visiting manufacturing floors, career centers, farms, and boardrooms across Georgia. I listened to parents frustrated by weeks-long waits for unemployment checks, employers struggling to find skilled workers, and community leaders lamenting untapped potential due to outdated systems. And this is the part most people miss: these aren’t just complaints—they’re calls to action.
Those conversations fueled our ambitious plan to transform the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). In Fall 2026, we’ll launch the largest unemployment insurance modernization in Georgia’s history. We’re replacing a 1980s-era system—think Atari consoles and payphones—with a secure, cloud-based platform designed to streamline claims, reduce fraud, and improve user experience. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a government agency truly modernize fast enough to keep pace with the demands of today’s economy? We believe it can—and it must.
This isn’t just about technology; it’s about people. We’re rewriting communications in plain language, cutting red tape, and simplifying processes so Georgians can access the help they need without frustration. We’re also expanding job-matching infrastructure, partnering with employers, educators, and community leaders to build a talent pipeline that connects Georgians to meaningful careers and businesses to skilled workers.
Here’s the bigger picture: Georgia’s economy is evolving at breakneck speed, driven by automation, AI, and advanced manufacturing. A modern labor system isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. If we want to remain the No. 1 state for business, we must build systems that match our ambition. This plan isn’t about small tweaks; it’s a full reimagining of how government serves its people, with the goal of making Georgia the nation’s top state for talent.
When I return home to Albany after long days on the road, my family, dogs, and backyard hens remind me why this work matters. It’s for the families across Georgia counting on us for clear communication, consistent service, and opportunities to grow. They deserve a department that matches the urgency and integrity they bring to their work every day.
Georgia has always led by embracing the future—and often by creating it. This plan carries that legacy forward, not with incremental changes, but with a bold vision for public service. We’re building an agency that fights forward—with modern systems, stronger partnerships, and a renewed commitment to the people we serve.
Our journey is far from over. Like the timeless anthem that played when our legacy system was built, we remind all Georgians: Don’t stop believing. With workers and businesses leading the charge, Georgia’s best days are yet to come. Let’s move forward—juntos, together.
Now, I want to hear from you: Do you think government agencies can truly modernize fast enough to meet today’s economic demands? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
