Macon Times

Senator John F. Kennedy of Macon expressed his support for House Bill 880, a new legislation aimed at assisting military spouses in finding employment in Georgia. The bill, authored by Rep. Bethany Ballard, is designed to facilitate the integration of military families into the workforce by allowing spouses to use their existing occupational licenses from other states.

Kennedy emphasized the importance of supporting military spouses, stating, “Georgia’s military spouses make tremendous sacrifices for our nation, and it’s imperative that we support them in every way possible.” He further highlighted the significance of HB 880 in addressing the employment challenges faced by military families when relocating to Georgia, noting that the legislation will streamline the process and ensure a smooth transition for military spouses.

Acknowledging the collaborative effort behind HB 880, Senator Kennedy credited the involvement of various organizations, including Robins Air Force Base, the Georgia Chamber, and the United States Department of Defense. He also commended Rep. Bethany Ballard for her dedication to the legislation, stating, “I want to offer my most sincere praise and gratitude to Rep. Bethany Ballard for her tireless support of this legislation.”

Senator Kennedy expressed his hope that HB 880 will reduce delays for military spouses entering the workforce, ultimately strengthening military communities and honoring the sacrifices made by service members and their families. He concluded by applauding Governor Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly for their support of the legislation.

HB 880, which is expected to benefit approximately 70,000 active-duty personnel and nearly 25,000 active-duty spouses in Georgia, represents a significant advancement in supporting military families and recognizing their contributions to the state.