Support Military Spouses PCSing with a Professional License

The Issue

I am a Military spouse who accompanies her spouse whenever he is reassigned. I am also a professional with a career of my own. I love my family and will continue to support my husband as he serves our great country. Due to our frequent relocations I change jobs more than the average professional. I currently hold a professional license in another state. Once my family and I were reassigned to Nebraska I was subject to many odd request and requirements. Many of which I struggled to clearly understand. I was required to apply for a new license, pay all the fees associated with it, in addition to locating everyone that ever had anything to do with me becoming licensed. For over a month went back-and-forth with the state of Nebraska attempting to obtain my license. I completed a total of three applications, one after the other, being told that it was the wrong form. Once I was informed of the correct form, I was then told that I don't have the hours that I need to get my full license in the state. I was also told that I needed more training. While I understand that each state has its requirements, I am saddened that Military spouses have to endure this frustration. In addition to this the family's finances are often impacted because of the spouses inability to work in their occupation. Spouses that are recent graduates working toward licensure are impacted greatly by this because the work they have begun towards licensure may not be accepted towards completion in the other location. Some spouses are hesitant to begin due to this uncertainty. More consideration and allowances need to be given to Military spouses. Currently that state of Nebraska provides consideration for Services Members in terms of accepting their training, but there is no provision or allowance for their spouse. In the state of Nebraska a bill to support Military spouses was introduced in January 2013 and was postponed indefinitely in April 2014. No further action has been made. Allowances need to be given to support Military spouses and adjustments need to be made so that the spouses can transition just as smooth as the Military member. I believe that Military spouses with an active professional license should be allowed to fully practice while there spouse is on orders in the current state. In other states spouses are allowed to practice with their current license during transition or receive a full, temporary or provisional license while they are working towards meeting the requirements of the current state. Military spouses need more support as they support and serve with their spouse.
This petition had 37 supporters

The Issue

I am a Military spouse who accompanies her spouse whenever he is reassigned. I am also a professional with a career of my own. I love my family and will continue to support my husband as he serves our great country. Due to our frequent relocations I change jobs more than the average professional. I currently hold a professional license in another state. Once my family and I were reassigned to Nebraska I was subject to many odd request and requirements. Many of which I struggled to clearly understand. I was required to apply for a new license, pay all the fees associated with it, in addition to locating everyone that ever had anything to do with me becoming licensed. For over a month went back-and-forth with the state of Nebraska attempting to obtain my license. I completed a total of three applications, one after the other, being told that it was the wrong form. Once I was informed of the correct form, I was then told that I don't have the hours that I need to get my full license in the state. I was also told that I needed more training. While I understand that each state has its requirements, I am saddened that Military spouses have to endure this frustration. In addition to this the family's finances are often impacted because of the spouses inability to work in their occupation. Spouses that are recent graduates working toward licensure are impacted greatly by this because the work they have begun towards licensure may not be accepted towards completion in the other location. Some spouses are hesitant to begin due to this uncertainty. More consideration and allowances need to be given to Military spouses. Currently that state of Nebraska provides consideration for Services Members in terms of accepting their training, but there is no provision or allowance for their spouse. In the state of Nebraska a bill to support Military spouses was introduced in January 2013 and was postponed indefinitely in April 2014. No further action has been made. Allowances need to be given to support Military spouses and adjustments need to be made so that the spouses can transition just as smooth as the Military member. I believe that Military spouses with an active professional license should be allowed to fully practice while there spouse is on orders in the current state. In other states spouses are allowed to practice with their current license during transition or receive a full, temporary or provisional license while they are working towards meeting the requirements of the current state. Military spouses need more support as they support and serve with their spouse.

The Decision Makers

Beau McCoy
Former State Senate - Nebraska-39

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Petition created on January 21, 2016