MOAA will prioritize legislation and advocacy efforts to empower military spouses in the workforce as part of its work with the 119th Congress – addressing an enduring issue that directly impacts family readiness and military retention.

Top priorities include passage of the Military Spouse Hiring Act, along with enhancing support for federally employed military spouses to improve retention and career development. Some details on these efforts … and how you can get involved:

The Military Spouse Hiring Act: Breaking Barriers

Unemployment among military spouses remains stubbornly high, hovering around 21% according to DoD’s most recent data. Frequent relocations due to PCS moves hinder career opportunities.

[RELATED: MOAA’s Legislative Priorities for the 119th Congress]

To address this, MOAA will once again work to rally congressional support for the Military Spouse Hiring Act, which incentivizes businesses to hire military spouses by offering a Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

This measure is vital for addressing the systemic challenges military spouses face. Businesses often hesitate to hire those who may move within a few years, but the WOTC would encourage them to utilize this talent pool by offsetting the cost of onboarding a new employee. MOAA’s advocacy efforts include meeting with lawmakers, partnering with allied organizations, and amplifying the voices of affected spouses to ensure this legislation gains traction and support.

Enhancing Retention for Federally Employed Military Spouses

Federal employment remains a key avenue of professional success for military spouses due to its portability, benefits, and abundance of opportunities at military installations. However, many encounter roadblocks such as limited access to telework, lack of spousal preference awareness, and challenges maintaining tenure after PCS moves.

[FREE MOAA DOWNLOAD: Military Spouse Employment Guide]

MOAA is working to enhance retention strategies by advocating for reforms within federal agencies to better support military spouse employees. These reforms must go beyond simply encouraging federal agencies to “do the right thing” – they must offer meaningful solutions, such as new policies and improved practices.

Key elements of this advocacy effort include expanding leave without pay options, streamlining the spousal hiring preference program, and ensuring military spouses receive the necessary resources and guidance to navigate the federal employment system. By addressing these hurdles, MOAA seeks to empower spouses to build sustainable careers, which, in turn, will bolster military family stability.

Why Addressing Spouse Employment Matters

Unemployment (and underemployment) among military spouses affects more than just short-term household finances: Not only does it significantly curtail a spouse’s ability to save for retirement, it negatively impacts military retention. If a spouse cannot find meaningful employment, it may contribute to a servicemember opting to leave the military prematurely.

MOAA’s efforts to advance these priorities aim to eliminate barriers and create opportunities, ensuring military families can thrive.

How You Can Help

MOAA encourages members, supporters, and stakeholders to get involved by contacting their lawmakers and advocating for these initiatives. Together, these collective efforts will pave the way for meaningful change, ensuring military spouses have access to fulfilling careers and reinforcing the foundation of military readiness.

[REGISTER NOW: MOAA’s Legislative Action Center]

As the 119th Congress progresses, MOAA remains steadfast in its mission to support military families and create pathways for success in the workforce. Military spouses serve, too — and their careers deserve the same level of dedication and support.