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Explore How States are Supporting Military Families
Across the country, states are advancing thoughtful policies, programs, and partnerships that strengthen support for military and veteran-connected families. This toolkit brings together those efforts in one shared, accessible place.
Select a state on the map to explore local initiatives, or browse the full database below to discover ideas and opportunities being activated nationwide.
Darker shaded states are a Do Your Part state.
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The North Dakota Military Commission develops statewide strategies to maintain and enhance military forces, bases, and missions. The task force examines current challenges, advises on base retention funding, promotes North Dakota as a military-friendly state, and serves as a liaison for military and state leaders.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Community Integration Support
North Dakota provides education, training, and career support services through North Dakota VET to help service members, veterans, and their families transition successfully into civilian education and employment.
Populations: Military Children Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
North Dakota offers 11 military and veteran license plates to honor the service and sacrifice of eligible service members, veterans, and qualifying family members statewide.
Populations: Veteran Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Belonging/Community Support
Expands the legal definition of “Armed Forces” to include the U.S. Space Force, ensuring Space Force service members are recognized in state law and eligible for the same benefits, protections, and programs as other military branches.
Populations: Guard and Reserve Topics: Removing Bureaucratic Barriers, Resource Systems Navigation
North Dakota Professional and Occupational License Benefits for Service Members and Military Spouses
North Dakota provides professional and occupational licensing benefits for military service members and spouses, supporting workforce access, credential recognition, and career continuity.
North Dakota provides occupational licensing compacts and military spouse license recognition for military service members, veterans, and spouses, supporting workforce access, credential portability, and career continuity across state lines.
North Dakota recognizes military-friendly schools that demonstrate strong supports, resources, and points of contact for military-connected students and their families.
Populations: Military Children Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Community Integration Support
North Dakota allows service members, veterans, and their dependents to qualify for in-state tuition at state-supported institutions, reducing financial barriers to higher education during and after military-related relocations.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
North Dakota provides an income tax exemption for nonresident military spouses, supporting workforce participation, financial stability, and family economic security.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Fee Waiver, Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
North Dakota provides resources and services through the Service Member and Family Support Center, helping National Guard and Reserve members and their families maintain readiness, reintegration, and family well-being.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Other, Resource Systems Navigation
North Dakota extends state tax filing deadlines for service members serving in combat zones, helping provide flexibility during deployment.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
North Dakota provides compensation to National Guard members for injuries or illnesses sustained on state active duty, supporting financial stability, readiness, and family well-being.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
North Dakota allows military spouses, veterans, and service members to waive portions of the CDL skills test, helping them access employment opportunities and training more quickly in the commercial driving sector.
North Dakota provides tuition assistance and waivers to National Guard members, supporting higher education, career advancement, and family stability while enhancing readiness and reintegration.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Fee Waiver, Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
North Dakota allows National Guard members to use toll gates, bridges, and ferries for free while on duty, supporting readiness, financial relief, and family stability.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Fee Waiver, Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
North Dakota offers income tax exclusions for qualifying military pay, helping reduce state tax obligations for service members.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Fee Waiver, Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
Allows resident service members to access deer gun licenses without a lottery, supporting recreation and continuity during military service.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Health & Wellbeing, Health and Wellness, Physical Health Support
Allows resident service members to access deer gun licenses without a lottery, supporting recreation and continuity during military service.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Health & Wellbeing, Health and Wellness, Physical Health Support
Allows service members on leave to hunt, fish, or trap small game without a license, supporting rest, recreation, and family connection during leave periods.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Health & Wellbeing, Health and Wellness, Physical Health Support
Participates in the Military Interstate Children’s Compact (MIC3), which supports military-connected students and families by standardizing school enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation requirements during interstate transitions.
Populations: Military Children Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Dependent Child Education, Education
Your Feedback is Welcome!
This toolkit is launching in 'beta' to demonstrate the incredible potential of state level work. We'll keep refining it and would love your help in making it the most comprehensive, easy to use tool out there. Help us improve the States toolkit by sharing anything that needs attention with Blue Star Families by filling out this form.
A comprehensive overview of the methodology and supporting data can be found in the full technical memo.
Let's work together to support our military families.
The Do Your Part coalition is led by Blue Star Families with support from Craig Newmark and craig newmark philanthropies.
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