State lawmakers repeal controversial changes to tuition waiver program

RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) - Virginia lawmakers have approved a fix for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, reversing controversial changes approved in May.

“We made a mistake and we’re fixing it,” Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Westmoreland Co.) said during a Senate floor session Thursday afternoon.

State lawmakers have been trying to find a solution, since changes to the program sparked outrage.

“Our family has struggled,” one speaker told a Senate committee in June. “And this waiver tuition program affects our family directly, but not just our family, all the firefighter families and the police officer families and our military families who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

VMSDEP provides a college tuition waiver for the families of military service members and first responders killed or disabled in the line of duty.

But the rapid expansion of the program has raised concerns in the General Assembly about its long-term viability.

“I am comfortable with the repeal while we continue to work towards solutions that make this program sustainable for all veteran families in the long term,” said Senate Finance Committee Chair Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth).

The House and Senate approved identical bills that reverse the changes and provide additional funding, while lawmakers and state officials study the program.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin quickly signed the legislation, which takes effect immediately.

Copyright 2024 WDBJ. All rights reserved.