RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia Military families sounded off at a task force meeting on Monday at the Virginia War Memorial about changes being made to a special tuition assistance program.
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) previously allowed the spouses and children of qualified disabled veterans to go to a public college or university in Virginia tuition free for up to eight semesters.
At the meeting on Monday, June 10, there was no mistaking how veterans and their families feel about recent changes.
“This is appalling and a tremendous breach of a covenant not to provide an entitlement to our most protected veteran our gold stars and severely wounded warriors but something that was earned at the highest level,” a veteran said during the public comment period.
Speaker after speaker at the special task force meeting ensured their voices were heard.
“My experience as a child of a veteran isn’t something that should be taken lightly,” said another speaker. “This bill is more than just a monetary discussion this bill gives children a moment of recognition for the emotional toll that comes along with being a dependent.”
“What lesson am I taking back to my 8th graders about government!? Can you help me out with that?” another speaker added.
Changes made to the program went into effect on May 13 now requiring all state students who enroll in school pass the deadline of May 15 to apply for financial aid and potentially pay out of pocket.
“Do the right thing because it is the right thing,” another speaker said.
The change in the program comes after state lawmakers were presented with data in May showing the program cost grew 445% from 2019 to 2022, going from $12 million in 2019 to $65 million in 2023. Lawmakers say the rise in costs is because more students are signing up.
But some say military families who have already suffered should not have to bear more burdens.
“This program matters. It has changed lives for nearly 100 years, and it needs to be around to change loves for the next 100. Your family’s matter,” said task force member Kayla Owens.
