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A new Department of Defense and U.S. Treasury report released Wednesday finds that many states, including New York, could do more to aid military spouses in finding employment.
About 35 percent of military spouses in the labor force, or about 100,000 spouses, who work in state-licensed professions such as teaching, child care and nursing find problems as they move from state to state.
Statistics released with the study indicate military spouses are 10 times more likely to move across state lines than their civilian counterparts.
The report describes several options for states to assist military spouses, including the transfer of licenses between states with equivalent licensing requirements or the issuance of temporary licenses for military spouses to practice while either fulfilling needed requirements or awaiting verification of their documentation.
The report cites 11 states with laws on the books supporting the portability of military spouse licenses: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington.
New York is one of 13 states with proposed legislation researchers say could affect military spouses positively.
The joint report stems from President Barack Obamas Presidential Study Directive. Released in January 2011, it called on federal agencies to find new ways to support military families.