Virginia House repeals eligibility restrictions on tuition benefits for veterans – NBC4 Washington

Virginia Delegates Restore Free Tuition for Veterans’ FamiliesVirginia Delegates Restore Free Tuition for Veterans’ Families The Virginia House of Delegates unanimously approved a bill on Friday that reinstates free tuition at state colleges for families of veterans who were killed or severely injured during military service. This action repeals the restrictions imposed on the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program in the state budget earlier this year. Outcry from Military Families The restrictions in the budget sparked complaints from military families. In response, Governor Glenn Youngkin and legislative leaders sought to address these concerns. Program Expansion and Costs The popularity of the education program has surged in recent years, leading to a sharp increase in enrollment and costs for Virginia colleges. In the past five years, enrollment has nearly quadrupled, from 1,385 to 6,107 students, while costs have jumped from $12 million to $65 million. Budget Restrictions To curb expenses, the budget included restrictions such as limiting admission eligibility, requiring participants to seek other financial aid, and enforcing stricter residency requirements. Reversal of Restrictions Friday’s House bill eliminates these restrictions. Additionally, a task force commissioned by Governor Youngkin is reviewing the issue and will recommend permanent changes for next year’s legislative session to ensure the program’s financial sustainability. Senate’s Role The House bill now proceeds to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain. The Senate Finance Committee chair has proposed postponing the restrictions for a year and allocating additional funding to cover the program’s costs while a committee studies the issue. Governor’s Appeal Governor Youngkin has urged the Senate to endorse the House bill, arguing that blocking its passage would unfairly penalize veterans and their families. Emergency Responder Benefits The program also provides benefits to families of emergency workers who have been killed or seriously injured while on duty.

The Virginia House of Delegates voted unanimously Friday to restore free tuition at state colleges for families of veterans who were killed or seriously disabled while on active duty.

The 92-0 vote repeals restrictions on the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program that were included in the state’s annual budget earlier this year.

Military families complained about the restrictions after the budget was passed. Governor Glenn Youngkin and legislative leaders have since tried to appease those upset by the change.

The program’s popularity has exploded, and it has become increasingly expensive for Virginia’s state colleges. In the past five years, enrollment in the program has increased from 1,385 students to 6,107. The combined cost has risen from $12 million to $65 million.

To curb these costs, a budget deal passed last month limited admission requirements for associate and undergraduate degrees, required participants to apply for other forms of financial aid and tightened residency requirements.

Friday’s bill passed by the House eliminates those stricter restrictions. Meanwhile, a task force set up by Youngkin is studying the issue and is expected to recommend permanent changes to be implemented in next year’s legislative session to make the program financially viable.

The House bill now heads to the Senate, which is expected to take up the issue on Monday. Its future in the Senate is unclear. The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Democrat L. Louise Lucas, has filed legislation to delay implementation of the restrictions for a year and allocate $45 million of the surplus budget funds to cover the costs of the program — in addition to the $20 million already allocated — while a legislative committee studies the issue.

On Friday, Youngkin urged the Senate to pass the House bill.

“If the Democratic Leadership in the Senate does not support a repeal of the language, they are holding our veterans, first responders and their families hostage. It is time to do the right thing,” Youngkin said in a written statement.

The program also provides benefits to families of emergency workers who have been killed or seriously disabled in the line of duty.

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