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Virginia lawmakers have come to an agreement to repeal new restrictions on a program that offers free college tuition at state schools for families of veterans killed or seriously disabled during active duty. The changes to the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program are set to be repealed through new legislation introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Louise Lucas and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Luke Torian.

Governor Glenn Youngkin has supported the repeal and additional funding, with plans to allocate an extra $90 million in taxpayer funds to cover the program’s costs, which have increased from $12 million to $65 million over the last five years. The program will now receive $65 million annually and will be subject to studies by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

The initial restrictions placed on the program included limiting eligibility to associate and undergraduate degrees, requiring applicants to seek other forms of financial aid, and tightening residency requirements. After protests from military families, the House of Delegates voted to repeal these restrictions, but the Senate did not take any action until now.

The agreement to repeal the restrictions and provide additional funding has been welcomed by Governor Youngkin and others, who see it as a positive development for military heroes, first responders, and their families. The Senate and House are set to vote on the proposed legislation on July 18.

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