(GA. NEWS NETWORK)
*Georgia reached new all-time highs in both its labor force (5,490,319) and employment (5,314,822) in August, and that the state’s unemployment rate declined to 3.2% compared to July. Georgia’s unemployment rate is 0.9 percentage points below the national rate. One year ago, the state’s unemployment rate was 3.4%.
*Former state Representative Dexter Sharper will not serve additional jail time after pleading guilty to making false statements to collect COVID-era unemployment benefits. WALB reports a federal judge sentenced the former Valdosta Democrat to time served, ordered him to pay more than $10,000 in restitution, and imposed a $2,000 fine. Prosecutors said Sharper collected benefits while also earning income as a lawmaker and business owner. Sharper resigned from the Georgia House earlier this year and apologized for his actions.
*A Richmond Hill woman is demanding answers after her five-year-old son, who is autistic and non-verbal, returned home from school on Monday with injuries. Krista Glover tells WSAV-TV that a teacher assaulted her son at the Richmond Hill Primary School, where he is a student. After contacting her son’s teacher, Glover learned that a staff member forcefully restrained her son. After meeting with the principal, she viewed the video of the incident. Glover is pursuing legal action against the staff member and requesting new measures at the school. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating.
*Georgia’s foster care system continues to face shortfalls. State auditors met with lawmakers this week to demand more transparency and better funding. Data show provider billing from the state has dropped in recent years, meaning less funding to help children. Scott Merritt with Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center in Cedartown tells Atlanta News First that’s a troubling sign. Lawmakers are expected to meet again next month to continue talks on the issue.