CHICAGO – Barack Obama is getting a boost from his home state of Illinois with the governor's endorsement of an administration effort to support military veterans and their spouses.

Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday is to sign into law the Military Family Licensing Act. First lady Michelle Obama is to attend the signing ceremony at an Illinois National Guard armory in Chicago. The law helps veterans and their spouses transfer their occupational licenses issued in other states to Illinois more easily.

The Obama administration is trying to make it easier for military families to sustain teaching, medical and other careers while moving from state to state. Illinois is the 23rd state to adopt such legislation.