WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), founding Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Military Family Caucus, commended the Georgia General Assembly and Governor Nathan Deal for working together to pass and sign into law House Bill 188, which allows veterans who have gained military certification in a trade specialty to apply for an immediate Georgia trade license, with the possibility of bypassing the usual application and testing process. The same opportunity is offered to military spouses who have a professional license from another state.
“This law is a huge step forward for Georgia in carrying out our responsibility of ensuring our veterans are able to find work,” said Congressman Bishop. “Moreover, military spouses are on the front lines supporting our service members but face many challenges of their own, including frequent moves and disruptions in employment. The very least we can do is help alleviate the burden of those whose professions require state licenses by paving an easier and faster road for them to continue practicing in their professions here in Georgia.”
About 35% of military spouses are employed in professions that require state licenses or certification, such as teaching or nursing. They also are ten times more likely to move across state lines than the general population. House Bill 188 was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal on Monday, April 8, 2013.
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