The controversial alterations that were made to the tuition waiver program were repealed by state lawmakers

Richmond, Virginia – A repair for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program has been adopted by the legislature of Virginia, undoing the controversial alterations that were approved when the program was first implemented in May.

“We made a mistake and we’re fixing it,” Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Westmoreland Co.) said during a Senate floor session Thursday afternoon.

Legislators from the state have been working hard to find a solution ever since the program was altered, which caused widespread indignation.

“Our family has struggled,” one speaker told a Senate committee in June. “And this waiver tuition program affects our family directly, but not just our family, all the firefighter families and the police officer families and our military families who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

The Virginia Military Service and Emergency Preparedness Program (VMSDEP) offers a college tuition waiver to the families of first responders and military service personnel who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Concerns have been voiced in the General Assembly over the program’s ability to continue operating in the long run as a result of its fast development.

“I am comfortable with the repeal while we continue to work towards solutions that make this program sustainable for all veteran families in the long term,” said Senate Finance Committee Chair Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth).

While lawmakers and state officials investigate the program, the House of Representatives and the Senate have both passed proposals that are identical to one another. These bills reverse the adjustments and offer additional funding.

The measure was swiftly signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, and it would subsequently go into force immediately.