Sen. Moran introduces bill to give tax credit to military spouses

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently introduced the Military Spouses Job Continuity Act, legislation that would help military spouses more easily re-enter the workforce by offering a tax credit to any military spouse who has to renew or transfer a professional license due to a military Change of Station order.

It was announced that Sen. Moran’s bill will be considered by the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance during a mark-up this Wednesday.

“Our men and women in uniform are only as strong as the families who support them,” Sen. Moran said. “Military spouses deserve the opportunity to seamlessly transition employment and continue working in their licensed career fields when moving across state lines. The Military Spouse Job Continuity Act reduces military families’ financial burdens due to relocation by offering a tax credit to military spouses who must renew or transfer professional licenses.”

With the frequency of Change of Station orders, most military spouses already face challenges in their careers because of the frequent need to move.

This legislation decreases this barrier for military spouses after relocation and helps them more easily re-enter the workforce by providing a tax credit of up to $500 when a military family moves across state lines.

The tax credit would be applicable for the renewal or transfer of a professional license in a range of fields including child care, nursing and health services, all of which are frequent occupations of military spouses.

Approximately 85 percent of military spouses either work, or desire to work, outside the home and nearly 35 percent of these require licenses or certification.

The bill is endorsed by the National Military Family Association, the Military Officers Association of America, and the National Guard Association of the United States.