By Bob Katzen

Gov. Charlie Baker issued an executive order that directs the state’s Division of Professional Licensure to improve license portability for military personnel and their spouses who move to the Bay State so that they can continue their civilian careers and provide for their families without interruption. The executive order directs the division to investigate opportunities to participate in one or more interstate compacts,

a vehicle for simplifying and improving licensing for professionals moving between states. The focus will be on occupations identified as priorities by the United States Air Force including physical therapists, accountants, engineers, psychologists, barbers and cosmetologists.

“Through this executive order, our goal is to make the process of transferring professional licenses simpler and more expedient for military personnel and their spouses arriving in Massachusetts,” said Gov. Baker. “I look forward to finding new ways to help the members of the Armed Forces across all branches and their families as they start the next chapter of their lives in the commonwealth.”

By Bob Katzen

“This order helps us support arriving military families and allows them to more easily immerse themselves in their new communities at our military installations across the commonwealth,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “In recognition of the sacrifices that members of our Armed Forces and their family members already make, reducing or eliminating barriers that could hinder gainful employment and household stability is one important way we can help make moving to a new state a little easier for them.”