Georgians remain behind from '01

A new report says Georgia's work force has yet to recover from the economic downturn of 2001, even as the nation braces against a possible recession. In its "State of Working Georgia 2008," the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute examines job growth, unemployment, income, and benefits, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources. Enacting a state-level earned income tax credit similar to the federal earned income tax credit is one way the report says state lawmakers can put money in workers' pockets. Recommendations also include targeting budget cuts to lower priority programs, and tapping the state's rainy day fund to avoid further cuts.

(Associated Press)