(WSB Radio)  If the economy doesn't turn around soon, Georgia's Unemployment Trust Fund risks running out of money.

Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond says in December 2008 there was one billion dollars in the fund.  Today, that number is $596 million.

"The next 60 days are critical," said Thurmond.

Georgia paid out a record $300 billion in benefits last month.  The state received some $220 million dollars in stimulus money earlier this year, but there are some 200,000 Georgians drawing benefits.

"I am convinced that things will continue to get worse before they get better," Thurmond said. 

He says if he doesn't see the economy turn a corner soon, he'll have to look to other sources to replenish the fund.  Thurmond is just back from Washington where he was in meetings about the state's unemployment situation.