ATLANTA — Nearly 14 months after the pandemic lockdown hammered Georgia’s economy, new numbers show that economy is now roaring back.

New tax revenue numbers show Georgia’s economy is climbing out of the hole caused by the pandemic. Tax revenues are up 68 percent over the same time last year and the state could have a nearly $3 billion budget surplus.

Governor Brian Kemp says that’s a testament to Georgia’s small businesses.

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“But there’s no question our economy’s been very strong I think because of the measured re-opening that we did over a year ago in the face of a lot of criticism quite honestly and that’s paying off for us now,” Kemp said.

The Little Shop of Stories, a children’s bookstore on the Decatur Square is back open after what its owner, Dave Shallenberger, admits was a tough year.

“A year ago we were losing money month after month after month. But now we’re at the point where we’re breaking even and even making a little on top,” Shallenberger said.

Shallenberger had to lock his doors for months and moved to online sales but now his doors are back open though they maintain a lot of Covid protocols because they cater to children, most of whom are not vaccinated yet. It’s not quite back to normal but Shallenberger is grateful they survived.

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“I’m so proud of our state and our citizens for being so resilient,” Kemp said. “We’re doing really well right now and we just want to keep getting people vaccinated and keep moving forward.”

Georgia Democrats are crediting President Joe Biden’s American rescue plan for the robust recovery.

”Make no mistake: the record economic recovery, job growth, and rising wages we are seeing is all thanks to the American Rescue Plan – which not a single Republican voted for – and Democrats’ commitment to jointly tackling the twin public health and economic crises created by COVID-19,” Democratic party chair Nikema Williams said in response.

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