Virginia lawmakers reach deal on veterans family tuition

After protests from military families and weeks of disagreement, Virginia lawmakers have reached a deal to repeal new restrictions on a program that offers free college tuition at state schools for families of military veterans who were killed or seriously disabled while on active duty. The program’s costs have risen from $12 million to $65 million in five years. Previously, state colleges and universities have covered the costs with state funds and tuition from other students. The new proposal sets aside $65 million each year for the program, while the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission studies it, along with a task force appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin and a Senate work group. Members of the Senate and the House of Delegates will return to Richmond on July 18 to vote on the agreement.