VIRGINIA, USA — As it currently stands, the VMSDEP waiver has now become a “last dollar payer” affecting the eligibility for many families using it, a major point that Gov. Glenn Youngkin says needs to change.
"Our military and veteran heroes, they didn't hesitate for a minute to answer the call to serve our nation and to stand up for our freedoms and liberties. And we shouldn't hesitate to come together and address this situation, provide real clarity and certainty to the process going forward and make sure that we're listening to those that have served us,” Youngkin said.
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program is a tuition waiver that allows dependents and spouses of veterans killed or disabled to go to college for free in Virginia.
“We have been on a roller coaster in terms of emotions. It's been hard. We've had veterans that we've been worried about. I'm sure Gold Star families aren't taking this easily either,” Caitlin Goodale-Porter said.
Goodale-Porter served in the Air Force and Coast Guard and was injured during her time serving. Now she's living with a traumatic brain injury. Goodale-Porter has become a fierce advocate for VMSDEP
“It's an earned benefit. It's, it's truly a valuable benefit not only for the, the family and the spouse, but also for the state,” Goodale-Porter said.
Concerns over funding and longevity had legislators add language to the budget that alters how and when families can use VMSDEP money affecting the eligibility for many of the families using it. Youngkin says he’s going to correct the situation by reconvening the general assembly before the end of the month.
“I believe that we should reconvene, pass a simple bill reverse this language, and provide real clarity to our veterans by the end of June,” Youngkin said.
Days after the budget was signed, Youngkin issued an executive order to establish a task force to guide future legislation concerning the waiver. The task force includes Gold Star families, other stakeholders, veterans, legislators, and members of Youngkin's administration. They're set to meet next week on June 10th.
In a letter from the Governor to state senate and house leadership, Youngkin expressed a desire to work together to preserve the program for the future.