Kentucky receives federal grants to advance licensing reform and eliminate employment obstacles for veterans

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ)- As part of its Occupational and Licensing Review and Reform Program, the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Commonwealth of Kentucky two grants totaling $1.95 million.

The Department of Labor says the grants will be used to review and streamline licensing requirements and address licensure challenges for veterans and transitioning service members.

Kentucky is one of 11 member states in the Occupational Licensing Policy Learning Consortium, a program established by the Council of State Governments, the National Governor’s Association, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. The consortium is reviewing occupational licensing programs across the country to establish best practices for occupational licensing.

In a cooperative and multi-agency approach, the Department for Local Government (DLG) submitted the application after the Public Protection Cabinet’s (PPC) Department of Professional Licensing, DLG, and the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs (KCMA) partnered in the grant application process. The grant dollars will be used to implement those best practices identified through the work of the consortium.

On April 2, 2018, Gov. Matt Bevin signed House Bill 319, which will make it easier for U.S. veterans and military service members to start businesses and pursue certain career opportunities in the Commonwealth. The goal of House Bill 319 is to streamline the process for veterans trying to obtain civilian occupational licenses by recognizing credentials obtained while in the military.

Last year alone, approximately 5,448 soldiers separated from the Army at Kentucky installations, with 1,060 choosing to live to Kentucky. In addition, there are 297,312 veterans in the Commonwealth. Kentucky is expected to have 84,060 job openings per year between 2014 and 2024 in critical industries, such as healthcare, public protection, mechanics, construction, and transportation.

Using these grants, the Public Protection Cabinet’s Department of Professional Licensing, the Department for Local Government, and the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs will continue their collaboration and effort to reduce obstacles to employment and build on the other job-growing successes in the Commonwealth.

To download the Kentucky Work Matters Task Force’s final report, click here.

For more information on Department of Labor grants, visit https://www.doleta.gov/grants/.

To learn more about the Occupational Licensing Policy Learning Consortium, visit http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/request-for-applications.aspx.