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Rick Jackson's healthcare company settles immigrant nurse lawsuit for $3 million
Rick Jackson, a Republican candidate for Georgia governor, is facing scrutiny following a $3 million settlement reached by Avant Healthcare Professionals. The company, which is part of Jackson’s business empire, agreed to the settlement to resolve a lawsuit brought by 5,219 current and former immigrant nurses. The plaintiffs alleged they were underpaid and subjected to restrictive 'stay-or-pay' contracts that required large payments if they left their positions. The lawsuit also claimed workers were threatened with reports to immigration authorities.
While Avant denied any wrongdoing, the settlement includes waiving certain unpaid contractual fees. The legal issue has highlighted a contrast between Jackson’s campaign platform, which emphasizes strict immigration enforcement, and his business's reliance on legal immigration programs to recruit foreign healthcare workers. Jackson Healthcare has received nearly $1 billion in payments from Georgia state agencies since 2020.
In a separate campaign development, Jackson has introduced an affordability agenda. He pledged to end his company's healthcare contracting with the state by December 31 if elected. His platform includes proposals to eliminate state taxes on residential electricity and natural gas, halve the state income tax, and eliminate income tax on tips.
Entities
Avant Healthcare Professionals · Georgia · Jackson Healthcare · Keisha Lance Bottoms · Rick Jackson · U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rick Jackson pledged to end his healthcare contracting with the state by December 31 if elected governor. tiftongazette.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Avant Healthcare Professionals denied any wrongdoing regarding the allegations. newsfactsnetwork.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A judge approved a $3 million settlement involving Avant Healthcare Professionals in July. newsfactsnetwork.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Workers alleged they were threatened with reports to immigration authorities if they attempted to leave. newsfactsnetwork.com · laopinion.com · wtop.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jackson pledged to eliminate state taxes on residential electricity and natural gas. tiftongazette.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jackson proposed eliminating state income tax on tips and cutting the state income tax in half. tiftongazette.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The settlement covers 5,219 current and former workers. newsfactsnetwork.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Nurses alleged they were underpaid and held to restrictive 'stay-or-pay' employment contracts. newsfactsnetwork.com · laopinion.com · wtop.com