Georgia Launches 'Fighting Forward' Strategic Plan for Workers

By Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes

My grandfather used to say, "Luchando Pa'lante" — fighting forward. Those words carried my family from Cuba to America and shaped everything I believe about opportunity in this country and in this state. Since stepping into this role earlier this year, I've come to see that fighting forward is not only a family motto; it's also a Georgia value. It's the grit of workers who show up before sunrise, the resilience of small businesses that anchor our communities, and the determination of every Georgian striving for a better future.

That spirit of resilience shaped our bold, comprehensive plan to transform how the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) serves every Georgian. When Gov. Brian Kemp appointed me Labor Commissioner earlier this year, I didn't begin with speeches. I started behind the wheel, driving across the state — to manufacturing floors, career centers, farms, small businesses, and boardrooms — listening directly to the people who power Georgia's economy.

Parents told me about waiting weeks for unemployment checks. Employers shared how hard it is to find skilled workers quickly enough to meet demand. Community leaders talked about workforce potential that goes untapped because the systems supporting it are outdated or too difficult to navigate.

Those conversations inspired every initiative in our plan — from how we deliver unemployment benefits to how we connect talent and employers. In Fall 2026, we'll launch the largest unemployment insurance modernization in Georgia's history. The agency will replace its outdated platform with a secure, cloud-based system designed to improve user experience, reduce fraud, and accelerate claims processing. This upgrade tackles long standing challenges — from call center delays to digital access barriers — that have slowed workers and employers alike.

The system we're replacing was built in the 1980s — back when Ataris were popular, payphones were everywhere, and Journey's "Don't Stop Believin" topped the Billboard charts. It served its time, but it's slow, clunky, and out of step with today's needs. With this modernization, claims will process faster, fraud prevention will be stronger, and workers and employers will have a more reliable, responsive system.

But this plan is not just about technology; it's about people. That's why we're rewriting every communication in plain language, making our processes easier to navigate, and removing red tape so Georgians can get the help they need.

This transformation runs on partnership. We're expanding our job matching infrastructure and strengthening relationships with employers, educators, workforce boards, and community leaders to build a talent pipeline that meets the needs of the moment — connecting Georgians to mortgage paying jobs and businesses to the skilled workers they need. At the same time, we're enhancing digital access, improving call center responsiveness, and cultivating a more agile, service oriented agency.

This work matters because Georgia's economy is evolving faster than ever. Automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing are reshaping the jobs of tomorrow. A modern labor system is no longer a convenience; it is a competitive advantage. If we want Georgia to remain the No. 1 state for business, we must build systems that match that ambition.

When I return home to Albany after traveling across the state or working out of our Atlanta office, I'm greeted by my family, our dogs, and our backyard flock of hens. Coming home grounds me and fuels my commitment to this work. That commitment extends to families across Georgia, who are counting on us to deliver clarity in communication, consistency in service, and opportunity for growth. They deserve a department that meets the urgency and integrity they bring to their work every day.

Georgia leads by embracing what's next — and, in many cases, by creating it. This plan carries that tradition forward not with small tweaks, but with a full reimagining of how government serves its people and a path to making Georgia the nation's top state for talent.

We are building an agency that fights forward — with modern systems, clearer communication, stronger partnerships, and a renewed commitment to public service.

Our work is a journey, and like the classic rock anthem that played when our legacy system was built, we remind all Georgians: Don't stop believing. With workers and businesses leading the way, Georgia's best days are ahead.

Let's move forward — juntos, together.