Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is urging New York State to change its rules regarding professional licensing of already-qualified military spouses with out-of-state accreditation. The process for licensing is particularly long and arduous and is inhibiting these spouses from securing a job, placing a hardship on military families who rely on two income sources. The careers most often impacted are teaching and nursing.

“The North Country is home to one of the most deployed military bases in the country, and we must ensure that military spouses have opportunities to seek out employment without facing the arbitrary hurdles created by New York’s woefully-famous government red tape,” said Blankenbush. “I am pleased to sponsor the Assembly companion to Sen. Ritchie’s critical legislation. We need to support the families who already are giving so much to us. It is the least we can do.”

In the past, Blankenbush has heard from constituents on this matter. In many cases, the affected individuals exceeded state requirements for licensing, but there was no easy mechanism to expedite the process or to accept out-of-state certification. Military families are often required to transfer base-to-base and out of state. Blankenbush said the legislation will show that New York welcomes and supports our troops and their families.