HR2097: HR2097 Center for Employment Opportunities Atlanta; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Atlanta, a program started in August 2021 through partnerships with the GreenLight Fund and Georgia's Department of Human Services, that helps people returning home from incarceration find and keep jobs. The resolution cites CEO Atlanta's results, including serving 143 people in Fiscal Year 2025, paying out more than $325,000 in transitional job wages, and helping 61 people secure full time jobs at an average wage of $18.56 an hour. It also notes evaluations showing reduced recidivism and increased employment among participants. The resolution formally commends the organization and directs the Clerk of the House to send it a copy.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Center for Employment Opportunities Atlanta on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• States findings from evaluations of CEO's program showing a 22 percent reduction in recidivism and a 48 percent increase in employment after three years.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to CEO Atlanta.
• Does not create any new law, funding, or requirement; it is a symbolic statement of support.

The resolution directly names the Center for Employment Opportunities Atlanta and references its partners, including Georgia's Department of Human Services, the Fulton County Jail, the Gateway Center, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Atlanta Department of Public Works.

Because this is a commendation rather than a law, it does not change anyone's legal rights, funding, or obligations. Its main effect is public recognition of a program that provides job training and transitional employment to people returning from incarceration in the Atlanta area.

• The whereas clauses describe CEO Atlanta's founding in August 2021 and its partnerships with the GreenLight Fund and Georgia's Department of Human Services.
• The whereas clauses cite Fiscal Year 2025 outcomes: 143 people served, over $325,000 paid in transitional wages, and 61 people placed in full time jobs at an average of $18.56 an hour.
• The resolved clause formally commends CEO Atlanta for its contributions to the citizens of Georgia and wishes it continued success.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to CEO Atlanta.

1. 2026-04-02House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-04-02House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-04-02House Hopper (House)

• Patty Stinson (D, HD-150)Primary sponsor
• Phil Olaleye (D, HD-059)
• Derrick Jackson (D, HD-068)
• Robert Dawson (D, HD-065)
• Robert Flournoy (D, HD-074)

• workforce development
• reentry programs
• criminal justice
• Atlanta nonprofits