Since the coronavirus arrived in the United States, Georgia has seen some of the highest numbers of infections and deaths. Elected officials have attempted to mitigate the ongoing health and economic impact, but it’s clear our state must do more to put people first.
[…] Before COVID-19, many Georgians already endured poverty, limited economic mobility and systemic barriers stemming from a long history of racism and discrimination. About 3.6 million Georgians make $24,000 a year or less, and 47% of workers are considered low-wage. Georgians of color are even more vulnerable amid this pandemic due to the host of health and economic disparities they face.
The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute staff regularly hears these themes on statewide listening tours.
Read more of Taifa Butler’s guest column at the Rome News-Tribune.
