RICHMOND, Va. — State lawmakers returned to Richmond for another special session Thursday.
The big topic up for discussion is the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Program (VMSDEP). The program allows those who qualify to receive higher education for free.
Virginia leaders have been working on the program since the state budget made changes to its eligibility. Voting on identical bills, the General Assembly unanimously passed SB 6012 and HB 6004 repealed those changes. With the passing, some relief has finally come to some military families.
“It's been two months of h*ll for first responder military families in the state of Virginia trying to get these benefits back,” Kayla Owen, Organizer of the Friends of VMSDEP said.
"This is a significant victory. It's an instance where veterans and survivors have stood up not only for their country but for themselves and that's appropriate," Veteran Caitlin Goodale-Porter said.
The bill includes a JLARC study conducted on the sustainability of the program.
"We have to be able to find a way to be able to pay for it...To have any untold number of students who go to a college or university and enroll in a program have no idea how many are coming," Senator Louise Lucas said.
A full repeal is what military families wanted. Many of them are left with a soured opinion on the General Assembly.
“I do feel like there's a trust that's been broken. People have made major, like decisions based on this program,” Veteran Kel Hannum said.
Over the past five years, enrollment increased by nearly 5,000 students, which increased the cost for state colleges. A budget deal passed in May restricted program eligibility and required participants to apply for other forms of financial aid.
Several lawmakers shared their frustrations with the process, including Governor Glenn Youngkin who called on lawmakers to remove new language and restore the program in full. The move also upset many military families, especially those directly impacted.
Senator Bill DeSteph admits mistakes were made and vowed to correct them.
"Promise made is a promise kept. I've said since day one. I'm going to stand up and fight for this,” DeSteph said.
There were weeks of disagreement between lawmakers before a deal was struck earlier this month.
The new legislation will propose an additional $90 million in taxpayer funds to pay for the program, in addition to $40 million already included in the two-year budget.
House and Senate lawmakers are expected to vote on the new measure on Thursday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.