CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A group of Clayton County School bus drivers, who were legally collecting unemployment benefits during the pandemic, find themselves in a financial crisis after the state ordered them to repay the funds.
Desperate for a resolution, they took their plea to Gov. Brian Kemp's mansion, demanding assistance in what they see as a last resort.
Sharon Mitchell, a dedicated school bus driver with 21 years of service, is one of the many affected by the situation. She spoke to 11Alive, explaining the challenging circumstances the drivers are facing.
"When the school system shut down, we shut down," Mitchell said. "So anything that we were doing extra, any extra income, all that extra money was shut down."
The bus drivers had initially applied for unemployment benefits during the pandemic, following guidance from the state. They were subsequently approved for these benefits. However, a recent development saw Clayton County School District reporting them for supposedly illegal collection of these funds.
The Georgia Department of Labor now insists that they repay the money, leaving many of the bus drivers in a difficult financial predicament.
Mitchell expressed her financial woes, stating, "I can't afford it. I really. I just can't afford it."
When asked about the amount they were required to repay, Mitchell revealed, "Total, and then monthly. $35,000 and $2,070 a month."
In an attempt to find a solution, Mitchell, along with several other bus drivers and their supporters, staged a demonstration outside Kemp's mansion.
"We have been trying to get help from so many different areas and people, and this is our last resort," said one of the drivers.
In response to the controversy, 11Alive reached out to the Clayton County School District for comment. A spokesperson declined to provide any specific details.
"This is both a personnel matter and a legal matter," the spokesperson said. "As such, and in keeping with district protocol, we are unable to offer any comment."
Despite not being able to meet with Kemp during their demonstration, the drivers remain determined to find a resolution to their predicament. They continue to seek assistance and clarity on the issue.
11Alive made repeated attempts to reach out to the Georgia Department of Labor to inquire about the drivers' eligibility for the unemployment benefits, but as of now, no response has been received.
The Clayton County School bus drivers and their families find themselves in a dire situation as they await further developments in their fight to rectify their unemployment benefits issue.