In the hopes of making it easier for military spouses to continue to work, Pennsylvania Representative Matt Smith (D-Allegheny) has introduced a bill that would streamline the process of transferring out-of-state professional licenses into the Keystone State. About one third of military spouses in the workforce are in careers that require licensure.
“The top three positions for military spouses are teachers, child care workers, and nurses and those are three areas we need to support and this bill would allow those individuals coming into Pennsylvania an easier way to transfer their license,” said Smith.
Physicians, accountants, social workers, realtors, and others would also benefit. Smith said the current process is complicated and cumbersome, and has led many military spouses to simply leave the workforce. That, he added, puts an added burden on families that already experience frequent deployments of loved ones, relocations, and extended periods of single parenthood.
“We should be bending over backwards to provide support and assistance to our military families who sacrifice so much for us,” he said.
Smith’s bill, House Bill 2558, is similar to legislation already passed in 23 other states. He said he hopes the bill will move through the legislative process quickly. “I’m very hopeful that we’ll see action on it this fall,” said Smith, “there’s tremendous bipartisan support."
