Florida Senator Ashley Moody (R) has announced that she will be cosponsoring the “Military Spouse Hiring Act,” supporting the families and spouses of those in the military.
The bipartisan Military Spouse Hiring Act aims to address the difficulties service members’ families face when looking for work. The bill would help remedy the high unemployment rate by creating incentives for businesses to hire military spouses.
“Military spouses play an integral role in supporting our service members who receive relocation orders every few years in defense of our national security. Now, it is time we have these spouses’ backs in return. This legislation incentivizes employers to hire qualified individuals and will help provide financial stability and increase the retention of our brave warriors. I’m proud to fight on behalf of our military families and cosponsor the Military Spouse Hiring Act.” Sen. Moody said in a press release.
Due to frequent relocations, military spouses face unique challenges when job searching due to limited employment opportunities near remote installations and companies not willing to hire a person for a short-term period. According to Moody, the high unemployment rate of spouses not only affects military families’ financial stability but also impacts service member retention.
Arizona Senator John Boozman (R) introduced the bill in March, which is designed to expand upon the existing Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program, which provides tax credits to employers who hire people facing unique barriers to employment, now to include military spouses.
The spouses of service members experience rates of unemployment and underemployment higher than the national average, and frequent moves often stall military spouses’ upward career progression and force them to find new jobs.
“Spouses of service members play an integral part in the support system that bolsters America’s military,” said Boozman. “Part of their sacrifice includes factors, like relocation, that can make it difficult to access meaningful career opportunities. This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense effort that will encourage employers to hire military spouses and benefit from their unique skills and experiences.” Sen. Boozman expressed.
