GOP Wins Big In Northwest Florida House District In First Vote Since Rejecting Medicaid Expansion

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GOP wins big in Northwest Florida House district in first vote since rejecting Medicaid expansion Florida Democrats hoping the fight over Medicaid expansion and the sequester would win them support with those who depend on federal funding won’t find much encouragement in Tuesday’s special election for House District 2.

In the first referendum since House Republicans bypassed more than $50 billion in federal aid for health care, Mike Hill, a 55-year-old tea party Republican insurance agent, won 57.9 percent of the vote in a Northwest Florida district that has an economy dominated by hospitals as well as the military -- which is weathering a sequester deal rife with budget cuts forced by congressional Republicans.

Hill’s Democratic opponent, Jeremy Lau, mustered 42.1 percent of the vote in a special election held after Rep. Clay Ford died in March. Lau, a 40-year-old aircraft mechanic for L-3 Com Vertex Aerospace, a military contractor at Pensacola Naval Station, had made Medicaid expansion his No. 1 issue.

“The failure of the Legislature to expand Medicaid has cost our district jobs,” Lau said. “It’s a huge issue here.”

A University of Florida study concluded that expansion of Medicaid would create an average of 1,619 full-time and part-time jobs in Escambia County annually over the next 10 years and help provide coverage for county’s residents, 20 percent of whom don’t have health insurance.

But Lau couldn’t overcome the district’s conservative demographics (Mitt Romney won 59 percent of the vote here in 2012) and Hill’s overwhelming financial advantage. The district, which covers parts of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, leans so hard right that no Democrat ran in either 2010 or 2012 against Ford. Hill raised $200,000 compared to Lau’s $29,500, getting plenty of help from the GOP, which chipped in $51,000. Democrats could manage only $1,090 for Lau.

Hill also made the Medicaid expansion a key issue, but as a way to spruce up his conservative credentials.

“I’m so proud of Speaker (Will Weatherford) and the House for turning that down,” Hill said. “We can’t afford that in Florida.”

Hill, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, becomes the first black Republican in the Florida House since Jennifer Carroll served there between 2003 and 2010. He’s also the first black legislator from Northwest Florida since Reconstruction.

“I know the historical significance,” Hill said. “But it doesn’t matter to me if I’m the first black this or that. I don’t want to be chosen based on my skin color. I want to be chosen based on my character and my value system.”

 

Hill founded the Northwest Florida Tea Party in 2010. He summarizes his value system succinctly: “Limited government, low taxes, personal freedom and individual responsibility.”

He said he will aim to eliminate the corporate tax rate, reduce the state sales tax and eliminate rules and regulations for business.

“People want jobs, they want business to expand,” Hill said.

He lists his net worth, as of April 1, at $1.1 million, deriving about $424,000 a year from his State Farm Insurance agency. He makes another $8,000 a year sitting on the board of Pride Enterprises, which is a St. Petersburg company that makes state license plates using prison inmates. Hill said he supports the program as a board member, but said that as a legislator, he will evaluate the contract independently of his association with PRIDE. Upon running, however, he did step down from his board position with Integrity Florida, a public watchdog group in Tallahassee.

This is the first elected office held by Hill, who ran and lost in 2010 a senate race against Greg Evers. He recently got a shout-out from MSNBC talking head Joe Scarborough for his support in his congressional campaigns from the early 1990s.

Hill is new to District 2. He moved last week to a Pensacola Beach condo so he could qualify. Florida law requires candidates to live in the district upon getting elected. Hill said he actually lived in Ford’s district, but was drawn out of it when the boundaries were reconfigured last year.

He will have a year more in the Legislature than the next class of rooking lawmakers, giving him a headstart in the race for House Speaker. Other recent “red-shirt” freshmen to become speakers or speaker designates are Marco Rubio, who served as speaker in 2008 and 2009, and Jose Oliva, who is designated to become speaker in 2018.

But Hill wouldn’t say if he will vie for the Speaker job in 2020.

“I don’t know what it means to be Speaker,” Hill said. “I don’t know if it’s something I want.”

In a statement from the Republican Party of Florida, Weatherford welcomed Hill.

"Representative Hill will be a strong voice for limited government and individual liberty," Weatherford stated.

 "His election sends a clear message that Floridians want smaller government, lower taxes, and the freedom to pursue the American Dream," said Rep. Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, in a statement. "Representative Hill will be a strong conservative voice in our caucus."

Crisafulli, who is set to become Speaker in 2014, shares political consultants with Hill: Meteoric Media Strategies, founded by former Gov. Rick Scott spokesmen Brian Hughes and Brian Burgess.

Posted by Michael Van Sickler at 9:40 PM on Tuesday, Jun. 11, 2013 in 2013 FLORIDA LEGISLATURE, Will Weatherford | Permalink

The Miami HeraldCopyright 2013 The Miami Herald. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Comments

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A lot of Hill's money came from the Insurance Industry. You can expect him to continue the attacks on Citizens and the overblown estimates of storm exposure in Floriduh. In other words, you can expect him to continue the inflated premiums and the corporate welfare system Republicans hold near and dear to their hearts and wallets (that's a redundant statement).

Posted by:Anti-Tallahassee |June 12, 2013 at 12:34 AM

Just what Florida needs--another Tea Party Legislator.

Posted by:M.A. Salfinger |June 12, 2013 at 07:26 AM

One more nut for the fruitcake in Tallahassee!!

Posted by:Doug Watson |June 12, 2013 at 10:09 AM

Glad to know that corporate welfare will continue to be the primary mission of the Florida Legislature. West Florida has always been much more a part of Alabama than Florida. No real loss if we just partitioned the state at the Apalachicola River.

Posted by:Can't take anymore |June 12, 2013 at 01:12 PM

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President and First Lady to Host Concert Honoring Carole King in the East Room

The White House

Office of the First Lady

Wednesday, May 22 * White House – As part of their “In Performance at the White House” series, the President and First Lady will host a concert in the East Room honoring singer-songwriter Carole King, who will be awarded the 2013 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.  President Obama will present the award as he did when the Library of Congress honored Stevie Wonder (2009), Sir Paul McCartney (2010), and the songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David (2012). The program will include performances by King, as well as Gloria Estefan, Billy Joel, Jesse McCartney, Emeli Sandé, James Taylor and Trisha Yearwood.

The President’s remarks will be pooled press and the entire event will be streamed live on www.whitehouse.gov/live starting at 7:00 PM ET.  “Carole King: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize In Performance at the White House” will be broadcast Tuesday, May 28 at 8:00 PM ET on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings).  The program will also be broadcast at a later date via the American Forces Network to American service men and women and civilians at U.S. Department of Defense locations around the world.

This will be the first time the Gershwin Prize honor has been awarded to a woman.  The Gershwin Prize commemorates George and Ira Gershwin, the legendary American songwriting team whose extensive manuscript collections reside in the Library of Congress. The prize is awarded to musicians whose lifetime contributions in the field of popular song exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins. 

The White House concert caps off two days of events celebrating the recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. On Tuesday, May 21st at 7:00 PM ET, the Library of Congress will host an invitation-only concert at their Coolidge Auditorium in honor of Carole King. The all-star tribute will include performances by Patti Austin, Colbie Caillat, Michael Feinstein, Siedah Garrett, Louise Goffin, Shelby Lynne, Gian Marco, Arturo Sandoval and a special performance by honoree Carole King. This event will be open to press, but space is limited. Members of the media who wish to cover this event must contact Sheryl Cannady at 202-707-6456 or scannady@loc.gov.

 “Carole King: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize In Performance at the White House” will be the eleventh “In Performance at the White House” program hosted by the President and Mrs. Obama.  Starting in February 2009, these events have honored the musical genius of Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach and Hal David; celebrated Hispanic musical heritage during Hispanic Heritage Month; marked Black History Month with events featuring music from the Civil Rights Movement, Motown, Memphis Soul and the Blues; spotlighted Broadway and the unique spirit of the American musical; and explored the rich roots and resiliency of Country Music.

Here’s a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov.

The President and the Department of Defense are taking unprecedented steps to protect our environment, achieve significant cost savings, and give our military better energy options.

Today at the White House, we convened the 10th annual meeting of the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

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Remarks by the First Lady at the Department of the Interior

The White House

Office of the First Lady

Washington D.C.

11:14 A.M. EDT

MRS. OBAMA:  Good morning!  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.  It's great to see you.  It's great to be back.  (Applause.)  You all can rest yourselves.  You work hard enough.  It is a real pleasure to be back here with you guys. 

As Secretary Jewell mentioned, I was here four years ago when we first came into office.  And one of the things that I wanted to do was to visit the agencies and learn more about what you all were doing, to shine a spotlight on the work that you all were doing; to make sure that the people of this country understand what it means to be part of Interior, the work you do; to make sure people understand what the federal government was doing; but most of all, to thank you for the work that you've done. 

And now that we're starting this second term, what better way to begin than revisiting all of you.  Because now, as I mentioned to Secretary Jewell, we have real, meaningful partnerships.  Over the last four years, we've done some incredible work together. 

But I'm not going to talk long because I'm really here to say hello and to thank you, but I want to start by thanking Secretary Jewell not just for her very kind introduction, but agreeing to serve as the 51st Secretary of the Interior.  (Applause.)  Yes, indeed.  And I know that she hasn't been here long, but she's already making an impression.  We are so proud to have her.  We hear glowing reports.  She is an example of everything that this agency stands for, and we're grateful for her leadership. 

And I'm looking forward to seeing all the wonderful things she's going to do to expand on the partnerships, to build on the efforts that have been going on.  We are grateful to Ken Salazar.  We will miss him.  But in Secretary Jewell, we have a wonderful replacement, and we're just thrilled to have her.

I also want to recognize Willie for his tremendous service -- you're over there somewhere.  (Laughter.)  And I'd like to see that uniform with all the buttons and medals and all that stuff.  You seem very mild-mannered; I didn’t know you were a superhero under that suit.  (Laughter.)  But thank you so much for your tremendous service. 

But most of all, I want to say thank you to all of you for everything you're doing every single day on behalf of this country.  Thank you for putting us on the path to energy independence, which helps grow our businesses and create wonderful jobs.  Thank you for building strong nation-to-nation relationships with tribes across Indian Country.  Thank you for protecting our most precious natural resources, and preserving our parks and monuments for the next generation and generations to come. 

And I just want to add that one of the neatest things that we get to do is to travel around to the national parks.  And we've tried to make it a point to -- as the First Family to visit many of the parks when we're on vacation, or when we're driving through the country or a community.  And I will just reiterate what this country already knows:  We have some of the most outstanding national parks in the world.  (Applause.)   Absolutely. 

And I would encourage everyone to travel to our parks this summer in particular.  It's a wonderful way to spend time with your families.  It's a great way to learn about the history of this country.  The rangers are amazing.  Their stories in and of themselves -- if you ever talk to a national park ranger, they're fascinating people.  They're usually -- they've done something interesting, and then they wound up in a park.  They're very neat people, and we've been honored to get a chance to get to know them. 

But we do this because of our kids.  It's so important for us to expose our kids to the many resources that are right here in this country.  You don't have to travel abroad to see some of the most beautiful, gracious places that the world has to offer.  And I want to thank you, because more than anything else, that's really what I think about when I think about what you all do. 

I think about our next generation.  I think about everything you're doing to ensure that all of our children have safe, clean, beautiful places to learn and grow and explore.  Because when kids develop that appreciation and that connection early, what you all know is that it's lasting, it's enduring, it's something that they can have for their lifetime and hopefully can pass on to their own kids as well.

So what you all are doing here isn’t just vital for our economy -- that’s important to note.  It’s not just the key to preserving our environment.  What you do here at Interior is absolutely critical for our children’s health and wellbeing. 

And as Secretary Jewell mentioned, and as many of you know, this is an issue, children’s health, that is near and dear to my heart, not just as First Lady but as a mother.  That’s why I was so thrilled and am so thrilled to work with so many of you to launch Let’s Move Outside to help our young people enjoy the great outdoors and to find that that’s a very inexpensive, accessible way to get active and moving, and to do things as a family and to learn.

And I also am very proud to have worked with you to launch Let’s Move in Indian Country.  Through this initiative, together we are working to ensure that the American Indian and Alaska Native children get the nutritious food and physical activity that they need to grow up to be healthy and active individuals. 

Because ultimately, we know that being active and enjoying the great outdoors isn’t just good for our children’s physical health.  What you all know is that it’s also good for their emotional health.  It can affect their success in school, and ultimately their success in life.  So what you all are doing here at Interior couldn’t be more important -- couldn’t be more important to me personally, but couldn’t be more important to this entire nation. 

But I also know that the work that you do isn’t easy, especially right now during these times.  I know that budget cuts mean that you all are juggling even more responsibilities with fewer resources.  And I know that many of you are stretched thinner than ever before. 

So that’s one of the reasons why it’s just as important for me to be here at the start of this term as it was to be here four years ago, because I want you to know how much Barack and I truly appreciate everything that you do.  And I know you don’t hear that.  People don’t even know you exist.  (Laughter.)  It’s so true.  I mean, federal workers are this invisible face.  No one knows what they do, what it means, how much they benefit us. 

So on behalf of myself and the President and the first family, I want to say thank you.  Thank you, thank you.  I want you know how proud we are of all that you do.  We want you to know how grateful we are to your families, for the sacrifices that you make oftentimes to do what you do. 

So hang in there.  And know that what you do is extremely important.  Hang in there.  We need you.  This country needs you.  Our children need you. 

So I want to end the same way that I started by just saying you guys are terrific.  Don’t get tired.  You can get a little frustrated -- (laughter) -- but just keep doing what you do every single day, because it means the world to the millions of kids who may not have access to some of these places if it were not for the work that you do. 

Just think about all the kids who will never get to see a mountain or a freshwater stream, or get to camp outside and see the stars.  The resources that you provide are open to every child in this country, and because of the work that you do, they will have those resources for the rest of their lives.

So just know that it is critical and we are grateful.  And with that, I’m going to stop talking, come down and shake some hands.  You all take care.  (Applause.)

END
11:23 A.M. EDT

President Obama honored Jeff Charbonneau, a science, physics and engineering teacher at Zillah High School in Washington, as the 2013 National Teacher of the Year.

National Park Week celebrates and gives back to our country’s great natural and cultural landscapes.

100 students from more than 40 states were at the White House for an all-day, hands-on celebration of the power and potential of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

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Reports: Violence stains first Iraq vote since US withdrawal

Iraqis went to the polls Saturday for the first time since the United States withdrew its military forces, but a series of bombings marred the process and highlighted Iraq's fragile transition from occupied country to functioning democracy.

At least four people were injured when a series of mortar rounds struck near a voting station in Latifiya, a town south of Baghdad, Reuters reported.

Other bombs hit near polling stations in at least three other regions, including the northern towns of Tikrit and Samarra, without casualties, according to the news service, which cited local police sources.

Another bomb was detonated near a polling center in Jibala, in the south, the Associated Press reported, and mortars rounds hit a station in Baghdad. 

For the most part, however, the process was moving smoothly, the AP reported, citing United Nations officials monitoring the elections. No deaths had been reported, the news agencies said, which is seen as progress surrounding an election cycle in which no fewer than a dozen candidates were killed leading up to Saturday's vote.

The elections for provincial council seats are the first in Iraq since President Obama pulled U.S. troops from the embattled country in December of 2011, almost a decade after the United States invaded in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Saturday's vote is being watched closely as a precursor of next year's national parliamentary elections.

Local terrorist groups, including a wing of al-Qaeda and Sunni rebels, have intensified their attacks this year in hopes of overturning the Shi'ite-led government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

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Remarks by the First Lady at Lunch With Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy

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For Immediate Release April 17, 2013 Remarks by the First Lady at Lunch With Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy U.S. Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland

12:17 P.M. EDT
 
MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you so much.  (Applause.)  Well, since I know I'm the only thing that stands between you and your 20-minute meal, I'm not going to take long.  But it is a pleasure and an honor to be back here at the United States Naval Academy. 
 
I was here a couple of years ago when we first came into office; I brought Sasha, and it was an amazing experience.  Sasha is our youngest daughter and she was just taken by the experience.  And I'm not sure yet, she's just 11 -- I'm not sure where her trajectory will lead her -- but this is an amazing place, and you all are an amazing group of men and women.  We are incredibly proud of you. 
 
I want to congratulate you on winning the Commander-In-Chief's trophy.  Go Navy!  (Applause.)  Well done.  And I know that my husband will be here in May for your commencement, so I am particularly pleased that I get a chance to stop by and say hello, but, more importantly, to thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
 
The degree of discipline and rigor that it takes to do what you do is truly amazing.  And Barack and I, we are so proud of you all.  And we know you are some of the best and brightest that this country has to offer, and it's just important that you know that you have a President and a First Lady who will keep working to make sure that this country serves you as well as you serve us.
 
So with that, I bid you a wonderful, delicious lunch -- I see a lot of greens on the plate, which is good.  And congratulations on how far you've come, and I look forward to the leadership that you will exhibit in the years to come. 
 
God bless you all.  (Applause.) 

END
12:20 P.M. EDT

Blog posts on this issue April 18, 2013 12:29 PM EDTIn the Face of Evil, Boston Has Shown that Americans Will Lift Up What Is Good

President Obama speaks at in interfaith service dedicated to those who were gravely wounded or killed at the Boston Marathon bombing.

April 18, 2013 10:15 AM EDTWatch Live: President Obama Addresses Healing Service in Boston

President Obama will deliver remarks this morning at Healing Our City: An Interfaith Service which is dedicated to those who were gravely wounded or killed in Monday’s bombing near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

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Remarks by the First Lady at the Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013 Bill Signing

The White House

Office of the First Lady

State House
Annapolis, Maryland 

1:55 P.M. EDT

MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.  Good afternoon.  It is truly a pleasure to be here in Maryland today. 

But before we get started, I want to take a moment to say that our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Boston.  My husband continues to monitor the situation, and he has directed the full resources of the federal government to assist state and local authorities as they investigate this horrific act. 

And what happened on Monday was a reminder that in times of crisis, here in America we respond with courage, and grit, and selflessness.  That’s exactly what we saw from the people of Boston, and from all those who rushed to aid the victims, especially the police officers and firefighters, the first responders, and our men and women in uniform.

And that is the spirit of Boston, but it is also the spirit of this country.  And in many ways, that’s the spirit of service and sacrifice that we are here to honor today. 

So I want to thank Governor O’Malley for hosting us, but also for his tremendous leadership for the state of Maryland and for all of his efforts on behalf of our troops, veterans, and military families.

I also want to thank Lieutenant Governor Brown; the Secretary of the Navy, Secretary Mabus; and all of the servicemembers from Fort Meade and the United States Naval Academy who are here with us today. 

And I’d like to recognize all of the Maryland state legislators:  Attorney General Gansler, Mayor Cohen, the representatives we have here from veterans service organizations and the University of Maryland, and to all of the military family members who are joining us today.  Welcome, and thank you for being here. 

And, finally, I want to thank Senior Chief Hite and his wonderful family who I got to meet -- Mom and Dad are here, and his handsome son, who I will embarrass -- (laughter) -- but we are proud of you all.  But I want to thank you all for your service to this country, because the truth is, is that every family member serves, and every time I meet a servicemember, a veteran, I don’t just thank him or her, I think children and parents and grandparents and brothers and sisters, because everyone in some way is part of that service.  And thank you for sharing your story with us today.

Two years ago, Jill Biden and I launched Joining Forces in large part because we’d heard too many stories like that of Senior Chief Hite’s.  We had heard the stories of military spouses like Janelle Gray, whose husband serves in the Air Force at Fort Meade. 

Janelle was a professional counselor for seven years in Minnesota and North Dakota.  But when she and her husband were transferred here to Maryland, she found out that she’d either have to wait three years or take additional coursework and get extra training before she could get back to work.

And then there were all the veterans we’d heard from -- the Army medics who couldn’t get jobs as EMTs; the Marine welders who couldn’t land a manufacturing job here; or the convoy drivers who couldn’t get hired to drive a semi.

Earlier today, I was over at the U.S. Naval Academy, and I met with some wonderful individuals who are here today in the healthcare professions who have served this country for years -- even decades -- and have mastered so many highly technical, high-demand skills.

But even with all that experience, these men and women wouldn’t even be considered for entry-level jobs in their fields because they didn’t have the right civilian credentials.  And all of this is happening after we have already asked so much of our troops. 

We have asked them to risk their lives in combat, manage dozens of peers, operate complicated machinery, oversee millions of dollars of assets, and save lives on the battlefield.  And then, when they come home, we’re also asking them to repeat months of training for skills they’ve already mastered.  So we have to ask ourselves:  How does this make sense? 

And the same is true for our military spouses.  We’re asking them to juggle a full-time job and their family’s finances, and the entire household all alone while their spouse is deployed overseas.  And we’re asking them to move their families to new communities and new states every couple of years.  And after they do all that, we’re also asking them to wait months and pay hundreds of dollars in fees just to be able to continue their careers?

That’s just not right.  And let me be clear -- this is about more than just eliminating a few bureaucratic headaches for these men and women.  This is about improving the financial security for thousands of military families.  It’s about giving veterans and their spouses an opportunity to build their careers and create a better future for their children.

So with all of that on the line, we knew we had to get this fixed.  And that meant we had to turn to state leaders like so many of you here in this room, because you all are the only ones who can make an impact on these licensing issues.

And I’m here today not just because Annapolis is beautiful -- which it is, and I wish I could stay and have ice cream and crab cakes -- (laughter) -- but I would clog up the city.  I will be back.  (Laughter.)  But I’m here today because here in Maryland, you all have done just that.

You have come together to take a bold step forward on behalf of our troops, veterans, and military families.  And by doing so, your state is joining a growing list of states that are addressing this issue.

Since last year, when I spoke to our nation’s governors about the issues facing military spouses, the number of states that have passed laws to help those spouses has more than tripled -- from 11 to 36.   And since we spoke with the governors again at the end of February of this year, this time about veterans issues, 13 states, including Maryland, have acted to help our veterans earn credentials.

And let me tell you, your bill here in Maryland is one of the best bills that we have seen in this entire country.  You all are tackling three big issues all at once.  You’re helping our veterans obtain professional credentials.  You’re helping them earn college credit.  And you’re making it easier for military spouses to continue their careers as they transfer to your state. 

So I want to say a huge thank you to Governor O’Malley for his leadership on this effort and to all of the legislators who have made our military families a priority.  You all didn’t just ask yourselves, can we do this.  You asked yourselves, how can we do it right; how can we serve our men and women in uniform as well as they’ve served us. 

But I also want to make an important point here:  This is not simply about patriotism and repaying our debt to our servicemen and women.  This is also about putting highly skilled individuals to work in communities all across Maryland and throughout the country.  It’s about strengthening our hospitals and our schools, and making our businesses more productive and dynamic.

That’s why the bill that’s being signed into law today is so important.  And I want you to know that we’re working at the federal level to address these issues as well.  For example, my husband has championed programs to help our troops get their civilian credentials in areas like manufacturing, medicine, and transportation before they leave the Armed Forces.  And I want to recognize the Navy, in particular, for leading the way on this issue with sailors earning more than 80,000 credentials in the last six years. 

So all of these efforts couldn’t be more important as we look at what’s coming in the years ahead.  With the Iraq war over, the war in Afghanistan winding down, more than a million servicemembers are going to be hanging up their uniforms and transitioning back to civilian life.  And that comes on top of the hundreds of thousands of veterans and military spouses already out there looking for work. 

So even though we’ve made a lot of progress on veterans employment over the past few years, as a country, we still have a lot more work to do.  And that means we need to redouble our efforts across the board.  We need more businesses to make big, bold commitments to hire and train our veterans and military spouses.  We need more hospitals and colleges and employers from every sector to recognize our veterans’ and military spouses’ unique skills and experiences, and give them a fair shot at a job.  We need every single state that has not already acted on these licensing and credentialing issues to follow Maryland’s lead and clear away every unnecessary obstacle facing our veterans and military spouses. 

And while these bills are a wonderful first step, we can’t rest until we’ve worked with our licensing boards, colleges, and universities to make sure these bills are fully implemented so that our veterans and military spouses get the credentials and the jobs they need.

And if we all step up in this way, if we all keep coming together on this issue, we will be sending a powerful message of love and support that makes a real, concrete difference for our military families.  We’ll be helping them build their careers, support their families, and find new ways to serve this country, which they so desperately want to do.  And that’s what Joining Forces is about.  And that’s why we’re not going to stop working until every state has enacted legislation to address these issues.  We’re not going to stop until every single military family in America gets the honor and support they’ve earned.

And so to all the military families here today, I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that we are going to do whatever it takes to make that happen.  We are in this for the long haul.  And we are bound and determined to repay your service and sacrifice with service and sacrifice of our own.

So to our servicemembers and military families, thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you so much for everything you have done for this country, and everything you will continue to do in the years ahead.  And to all the elected officials, to the leaders from the University of Maryland, to all the people of this great state, thank you for stepping up to show your support for these brave men and women.

I look forward to continuing our work together in the months and years ahead.  Thank you, God bless, and let’s get some signing done.  (Applause.)

END
2:05 P.M. EDT

President Obama speaks at in interfaith service dedicated to those who were gravely wounded or killed at the Boston Marathon bombing.

President Obama will deliver remarks this morning at Healing Our City: An Interfaith Service which is dedicated to those who were gravely wounded or killed in Monday’s bombing near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

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Fact Sheet: States Answer the First Lady’s Call to Put America’s Heroes Back to Work

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For Immediate Release April 17, 2013 Fact Sheet: States Answer the First Lady’s Call to Put America’s Heroes Back to Work

As part of their Joining Forces initiative, on February 25th First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden addressed the National Governor’s Association and issued a call to action – building on President Obama’s June 2012 announcement of the Military Credentialing and Licensing Task Force – that by the end of 2015, all 50 states will have taken legislative or executive action to help our troops get the credentials they need to successfully transition to the civilian labor market. In less than two months 13 states have answered the First Lady’s call and passed legislation that fast-tracks the ability for service members and veterans to earn civilian credentials and licenses, and 8 states have passed legislation that expedites professional licenses or certifications for military spouses when they move to a new state.

Today, the First Lady will join Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley as he signs into law the Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013. This comprehensive bill, developed in consultation with the Department of Defense, includes a number of Best Practices outlined in the Administration’s report: The Fast Track to Civilian Employment: Streamlining Credentialing and Licensing for Service Members, Veterans, and Their Spouses.

 

Maryland: Setting a National Standard for Military Credentialing and Licensing Policy

Maryland’s Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013 sets a national standard for state legislation, streamlining the ability for service members, veterans, and their spouses to obtain over 70 civilian credentials and licenses.

Supporting separating service members and veterans who seek to qualify for occupational licenses and certification based on their military education, training, and experience, including licenses in Emergency Medical Services and Advanced Medical Occupations.

The bill requires state licensing units to accept education, training, or service completed by a military member toward the qualifications to receive a license or certification.

Supporting separating service members and veterans who seek to obtain academic credit for their military education, training, and experience..

The bill requires the state’s public universities to implement policies that award academic credit for military training, coursework, and education, thus reducing the time to degree as well as the cost of earning a degree or certificate.

Supporting separating service members and military spouses who seek to transfer a current license by endorsement or obtain a temporary license when separating in a state other than the state that approved the current license.

The bill requires state licensing units to expedite licensing for military spouses, service members, and recently-discharged veterans.

Translating Military Experience into Civilian Employment

The United States has the most highly trained military in the world, comprised of men and women who have broad skill sets because of their military education and experience.  The members of our Armed Forces and their families make great sacrifices, and when their service is concluded, we owe it to our veterans and their families to help them accomplish a successful transition to the civilian labor market. That is why over the past year and a half, the President has taken significant action to create a “career-ready military” and streamline the transition process.

Too often the talented men and women who have served our country face barriers that make it difficult to find jobs that take advantage of their military skill sets. Many service members and veterans are required to repeat education or training in order to receive industry certifications and state occupational licenses, even though much, and in some cases, all, of their military training and experience overlaps with credential requirements. Additionally, frequent moves, and the resulting need to search for new employment, can be a significant problem for military spouses, especially when getting a job in a new state requires obtaining an occupational license. Leveraging the skills of our military veterans and their families will build a stronger workforce and a more competitive economy.

As of March 2013, roughly 783,000 veterans were unemployed and looking for work, including 207,000 post-9/11 veterans.  As we drawdown from the war in Afghanistan, one million service members are expected to leave the armed forces over the next several years. 

To ensure service members leave the military with the ability to transfer their education and training to the civilian job market, President Obama created the Military Credentialing and Licensing Task Force in June of 2012.

As its initial action, the Task Force forged partnerships with the five largest manufacturing credentialing bodies to provide opportunities for service members to gain industry-recognized, nationally-portable certifications for high-demand manufacturing jobs -- including welding, machining, maintenance, and logistics -- almost all of which have median   hourly wages above the national average. These partnerships are currently being implemented at military bases across the country.

In February, the Administration expanded its efforts to assist states in translating military training and experience into credit towards professional licensure. The objectives of this initiative are to accelerate states’ occupational licensing processes and to streamline approaches for assessing the equivalency of military training and experience for academic credit as well as in specific occupations, including

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and ParamedicsLicensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)Physician Assistants (PAs)Commercial Driver’s Licenses for Bus and Truck Driver’s License (CDLs)

Making Military Spouses’ Licenses Portable

There are currently more than 860,000 military spouses, about 95 percent of whom are female. Over the past six years, the labor force participation rate for military spouses has been approximately 55 percent, with an unemployment rate of 9.7 percent. Military spouses experience a number of unique employment challenges. According to analysis from the Treasury Department, military spouses are ten times more likely to have moved across state lines in the last year compared to their civilian counterparts: Taking an average for the years 2007 through 2012, 15.4 percent of military spouses moved across state lines each year, compared to just 1.1 percent of civilian spouses.

While many of the common occupations among military spouses are not licensed, some of the most popular professions, including teaching and nursing, do require licensure.  As occupational licenses carry state-specific conditions and processes, many spouses face lengthy re-employment delays when they move between states. Because of the delay, and expense involved in re-licensure, many spouses are unable to work in their chosen profession. This dilemma can affect the financial stability of military families, discourage service members from staying in the military, and reduce hiring potential if spouses must remain out of the workforce because of these delays.

States Step Up to Answer the First Lady’s Call-to-Action

Since the First Lady’s NGA remarks on February 25th, 13 states have stepped-up to answer her call-to-action by passing legislation that streamlines the ability for service members and veterans to obtain civilian certification and licensure.  Eight states have passed legislation that expedites professional licenses or certifications for military spouses when they move to a new state.  These states include:

Arizona: On April 11th, the Governor signed into law a bill that adopts the Military Skills Test Waiver for Commercial Driver’s Licenses and eases the professional licensing requirements military applicants seeking LPN licensure. In her signing letter, the Governor encouraged all state agencies to examine their licensing rules to identify opportunities where service member training can be credited toward existing professional licensure requirements.  The state has already passed spousal licensing legislation. 

Georgia: On April 8th, the Governor signed into law a bill that streamlines the ability for veterans to earn licenses in the construction trades. The state has already signed the Military Skills Test Waiver for the Commercial Driver’s License.  The bill also allows licensing boards to endorse certain military spousal licenses from other states.  Occupations include Electrical Contractor Class I and Journeyman Plumber.

Idaho: On April 1st, the Governor signed into law a bill that expedites licenses for qualified spouses of members of the military.

Indiana: On April 2nd, the Governor signed into law a bill that streamlines the ability for veterans to earn emergency medical services licenses. The state has already signed the Military Skills Test Waiver for the Commercial Driver’s License and passed spousal licensing legislation.  The state has already passed spousal licensing legislation.

Kansas: The state legislature passed a bill that broadly streamlines the ability for veterans to earn state licenses, including licenses for emergency medical services and nursing. The state has already signed the Military Skills Test Waiver for the Commercial Driver’s License and passed spousal licensing legislation.

Kentucky: On March 19th, the Governor signed into law a bill that streamlines the ability for veterans to earn emergency medical services licenses and Commercial Driver’s Licenses.  The state has already passed spousal licensing legislation.

Maryland: Today, the Governor signed into law a bill that broadly streamlines the ability for veterans to earn state licenses, including licenses for emergency medical services and nursing. The bill also enables service members and veterans to translate military training, education, and experience into academic credit. The state has already signed the Military Skills Test Waiver for the Commercial Driver’s License.  For military spouses, the bill also requires licensing units to expedite licensing, including certificates for educators/teachers issued by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Mississippi: On March 18th, the Governor signed into law a bill that broadly streamlines the ability for veterans to earn state licenses, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and licenses for emergency medical services and nursing.  The bill also streamlines the process for military spouses who seek to transfer their licenses from other states when they move to Mississippi. For military spouses, the bill covers all occupational and educational professions.

Montana: On March 20th, the Governor signed into law a bill that provides members of the Reserve the ability to extend their licensing deadline while serving on active duty.  The state has already passed spousal licensing legislation.

New Mexico: On March 26th, the Governor signed into law a bill that broadly streamlines the ability for veterans to earn state licenses, including licenses for emergency medical services and nursing.  The bill also streamlines the process for military spouses who seek to transfer their licenses from other states when they move to New Mexico. For military spouses, the bill covers all regulated occupations, with the exception of attorneys and teachers.

 North Dakota: The Governor signed into law a bill that grants a teaching license to an applicant who holds a regular teaching license or certification in another state, provided the individual meets certain requirements. 

South Dakota: On March 16th, the Governor signed into law a bill that broadly streamlines the ability for veterans to earn state licenses, including licenses for nursing. The state has already signed the Military Skills Test Waiver for the Commercial Driver’s License.  The bill also streamlines the process for military spouses who seek to transfer their licenses from other states when they move to South Dakota. For military spouses, the bill covers all occupations covered under Title 36, including teachers.

Tennessee: The state legislature passed a bill that broadly streamlines the ability for veterans to earn state licenses, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and licenses for emergency medical services and nursing.  The state has already passed spousal licensing legislation.

Utah: On March 26th, the Governor signed into law a bill that broadly streamlines the ability for veterans to earn state licenses, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and licenses for emergency medical services and nursing.  The state has already passed spousal licensing legislation.

Wyoming: On March 13th, the Governor signed into law a bill that broadly streamlines the ability for veterans to earn state licenses, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and licenses for emergency medical services and nursing. The bill also streamlines the process for military spouses who seek to transfer their licenses from other states when they move to Wyoming.  For military spouses, the bill covers all occupations, except attorneys and professions with prescriptive drug authority.

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