NORFOLK, Va. —
Education is free for Virginia families of fallen or disabled veterans through a program called Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP), spouses and dependents of veterans killed or disabled can go to public universities for free in the Commonwealth.
Erin Strasburger is just one of the many military families who moved here to take advantage of that opportunity. Both she and her husband, Rob, served in the military.
"Rob was a SEAL and was active-duty and served honorably and was medically discharged for after 21 years of service. But he was ill, he had a chronic illness service-connected," explained Erin Strasburger.
Rob Strasburger died more than three years ago. Since then Erin Strasburger has been caring for their two kids and planning for them to use VMSDEP.
"Knowing this program was there to be able to help us do that was one of the key pieces in us being able to stay here. Knowing that I was going to be able to stand on my own two feet when that was done."
Language from the newly signed state budget made the waiver a last-dollar payer, meaning the financial waivers may only kick in after other forms of aid are used to pay for school first. It's a major change for the Strasburger family and others like them.
Days after signing the budget, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive directive to form a task force to preserve the program. Members include the state's higher education council, military families and other affected stakeholders.
Erin Strasburger is set to speak during the public comment period on Monday and hopes this will be a chance for her and those like her to be heard.
"We're not just a number. This is families. This is lives impacted."