Michelle Obama, Jill Biden to Push Military Spouse Employment - East Idaho News
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Michelle Obama, Jill Biden to Push Military Spouse Employment

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GETTY N 021512 MichelleObamaJillBiden?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1329308754665Chris Trotman/Getty Images for NASCAR(WASHINGTON) — First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will unveil on Wednesday the results of a national study aimed at boosting employment among military spouses in careers that require state occupational licensing, such as teachers, child care workers and nurses.

Spouses in those careers commonly face financial and administrative burdens every time they change residency — which is often in military family life.  The report offers a roadmap to help streamline occupational licensing across state lines.

The White House estimates the licensing burdens, “negatively impact employability for more than 100,000 military spouses,” or 35 percent of all military spouses in the labor force.

Only 11 states currently have laws allowing portability of occupational licenses. Thirteen states have legislation pending.

Obama and Biden are expected to add pressure on more states to consider laws that would allow for easier state-to-state transfer of certification.  

Wednesday’s Pentagon event is billed as part of the Obama-Biden “Joining Forces” initiative to support veterans and their families.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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