Clay Jackson/Staff Soldiers stand at attention during a departure ceremony Tuesday for Kentucky Army National Guard's Headquarters Company, 206th Engineer Battalion. More than 5,000 Kentucky Guard troops have been mobilized since Sept. 11, 2001.

CHICAGO (AP) -- Michelle Obama is praising Illinois for making it easier for military spouses to transfer out-of-state occupational licenses so they can stay on the job in professions like nursing and teaching.

The first lady attended a bill signing ceremony Tuesday in Chicago during which Gov. Pat Quinn made Illinois the 23rd state to have legislation on the issue. Obama says the law and others like it around the country will enable more military spouses to advance their careers and earn income to support their families

Obama and Vice President Joe Biden's wife, Jill Biden, have been pushing since February for more states to enact legislation to make it easier for military families that frequently move from state to state.

Illinois' law takes effect Jan. 1.