State officials say Middle Georgia economy is improving As of May this year, the unemployment rate is at 4.1 percent. July 9, 2021 MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)— The Middle Georgia economy is improving as the pandemic comes to an end. We spoke with local representatives to find out their thoughts on why. State Representative Miriam Paris says the economy is doing much better this year. She thanks the democrats for working with the Biden administration to pass the American Rescue Plan. “This administration has taken charge since they’ve come into office and grabbed the bull by the horns,” Representative Paris said. “And pretty much brought us to a place where we’re at some sense of normalcy.”