Virginia Lawmakers Repeal Restrictions on Tuition Waiver Program for Military Families

Virginia Lawmakers Repeal Restrictions on Tuition Waiver Program for Military Families

In a significant victory for military families in Virginia, lawmakers have voted to repeal new restrictions on a popular tuition waiver program. The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, which provides free college tuition at state schools for families of military veterans who were killed or seriously disabled while on active duty, will now be fully restored.

The House of Delegates and state Senate both unanimously approved the legislation, signaling bipartisan support for the program. Governor Glenn Youngkin, who returned to Richmond from the Republican National Convention to sign the bill into law, praised the decision as a crucial step in supporting the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The program had faced budgetary challenges in recent years, with costs rising from $12 million to $65 million. The state budget had imposed restrictions on eligibility, requiring participants to apply for other forms of financial aid and tightening residency requirements. Veterans and their families had strongly opposed these changes, leading to weeks of negotiations among lawmakers.

The approved bills allocate $45 million per year over the next two years to help colleges and universities manage the program’s expenses, in addition to the $20 million already included in the budget. Several task forces are now working on long-term solutions to control costs and ensure the program’s sustainability.

Lawmakers have committed to revisiting the issue during the General Assembly regular session in January, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to supporting military families in Virginia. The repeal of these restrictions is a significant win for those who have served our country and their loved ones.