Letter to Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia

June 17, 2024Governor Glenn YoungkinOffice of the GovernorPatrick Henry Building, 3rd Floor1111 East Broad StreetRichmond, VA 223219Dear Governor Youngkin and Members of the Virginia General Assembly:As national organizations representing veterans, caregivers, and survivors, we write to you today to strongly urge you to repeal the recent changes to Virginia’s Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). These changes were made “in the dark of night” during the budget process, rather than in the normal course of legislative business, setting a demoralizing national precedent for rolling back veterans’ benefits just as the full cost of war hits home.Prior to the recent changes, VMSDEP offered a full waiver of tuition and mandatory fees for those rated 90% or 100% disabled and the families of those who were killed in action, died on active duty, or who died as a result of their service-connected conditions. It was one of the most generous programs in the country for survivors and dependents, drawing veterans and their families to the Commonwealth and signaling Virginia as a leader among states in supporting veteran families.Unfortunately, the budget language signed by the Governor greatly reduces this earned benefit, requires burdensome paperwork, and restricts the benefit to undergraduate programs only, and it could result in some families being forced to pay a higher portion of the tuition. As a result, Virginia now has one of the least generous education programs for veteran families and survivors anywhere in the nation.This is a truly shocking development, as Virginia has traditionally been both military and veteranfriendly. In fact, Virginia is home to more than 150,000 active duty service members and their families, more than 700,000 veterans, and the highest percentage of women veterans in the country. Those service members and their families account for more than $103 billion in total economic impact and 11.3% of Virginia’s GDP. Disability payments to Virginia veterans alone account for an additional $5.6 billion per year.The decision to go to war is not made at the state level, but states can and do provide a critical part of the safety net that allows our warriors to rest easy, knowing that their families will be taken care of if the worst happens. Virginia’s recent changes shift the burden of war’s consequences to those who have already paid the most, and those changes must be repealed. The eyes of the nation are upon the Commonwealth.Sincerely,Steve Schwab, CEOElizabeth Dole FoundationBesa Pinchotti, CEONational Military Family Association (NMFA)Bonnie Carroll, President and FounderTragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPs)Dave Gowel, CEORallyPointColonel Sam Whitehurst US Army (Ret)Dixon Center for Military and Veteran ServicesTina Atherall, DSW, LMSW, CEOPsychArmorBeth Conlin, Board ChairMilitary Spouse Chamber of CommerceMrs. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.Spouse of the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffPhyllis J. Wilson, PresidentWomen in Military Service for America Memorial FoundationElizabeth El-Nattar, Acting Executive DirectorCode of Support FoundationKara Dallman, Executive DirectorOur Military KidsDr. Gretchen McIntosh, Executive DirectorSEALKIDS, Inc.Jared Lyon, MPA, President and CEOStudent Veterans of AmericaShannon Razsadin, CEOMilitary Family Advisory NetworkAnn Crittenden, PresidentWomen Marines AssociationRobin King, CEONavy Seal FoundationElisa Cardnell, PresidentService Women's Action NetworkKen Greenberg, National Executive DirectorJewish War Veterans of the USASarah Verardo, CEOIndependence FundMichelle Norman, Executive Director/FounderPartners in PROMISEHeather Ehle Ray, CEO and FounderProject SanctuaryPhil Kowalczyk, CEOCamp CorralRebekah Lovorn, Executive DirectorNo Greater Sacrifice FoundationKathy Roth-Douquet, CEOBlue Star FamiliesBrigadier General John I. Pray, Jr. USAF, Retired, CEOOperation HomefrontAmy Palmer, President and CEOSoldiers' AngelsAlexis Moore, DirectorSpecial Forces Shield MaidensRyan Manion, CEOTravis Manion FoundationCharlie Iacono, President and CEOThe Green Beret FoundationLTG Walter E. Piatt, US Army (Ret.), CEOWounded Warrior Projectcc: National Governors Association