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Virginia veteran voices concern about funding for spouse, dependent tuition waiver

Gov. Glenn Youngkin proposes $20 Million in funding for VMSDEP in budget recommendations.

VIRGINIA, USA —

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program(VMSDEP) is no longer in danger of not getting funding. This is thanks to Gov. Glenn Youngkin including $20 million in new funding as part of his recommendations for the biennial budget.

Veterans and their families were worried when talks of changing the program arose last month. 

Caitlin Goodale-Porter lives with a traumatic brain injury after serving in both the Army and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). She says she was shocked when conversations about changing the program began.

"This helps at least the next generation make up for my lack of earnings," she said. "I'm still a valuable human being. But my value is not being measured in dollars and cents these days."

The program provides a tuition and fee waiver, plus a stipend to public universities for veterans who are permanently disabled, as well as their spouses or kids.  

The State Council of Higher Education of Virginia says rapid growth means the program must change to be sustainable.  

State Sen. Mamie Locke of Hampton proposed over $80 million in funding but that didn't pass. 

In early April, the proposed budget would have required eligible students to apply for and use other financial aid for tuition before the assistance kicks in. 

Goodale-Porter said that change would cost her family thousands per year.  

"Expected family contribution in our family of about 9 or $10,000 for our daughter's first year, multiplied by 4. You've got all of a sudden the family contributing $40,000 that maybe weeks prior they didn't expect to contribute," said Goodale-Porter. 

Youngkin also mentioned forming a stakeholder group that would make recommendations that could improve the long-term viability of the program.

Goodale-Porter believes the recommendation is a start.    

"Who knows if the full amount will be, but something would be a good start. Getting that faucet turned on," she added. 

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