RICHMOND, Va. — In a decisive move, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee imposed an administrative delay on Senate Bill 219, which had been patroned by Senator Glen H. Sturtevant, Jr. (R) of District 12. The committee’s decision came yesterday, January 31, 2024, following a closely watched vote of ten to five. The Senate bill, designed to address crucial issues surrounding tuition assistance, is now deferred for the remainder of this year’s General Assembly session, with plans to reevaluate it during the next session slated for January 2025.
Senate Bill 219 aimed to tackle the pressing concerns related to the complexities of the Virginia National Guard’s Tuition Assistance Program and the financial burdens faced by students and their families. Specifically, this bill returned the program to a direct payment or “upfront” model, rather than the previously implemented and widely unpopular reimbursement model. The administrative delay, however, raises questions about the future trajectory of the bill and its potential impact on addressing these critical challenges.
In contrast to the Senate’s setback, the House of Delegates saw a triumph in the form of House Bill 366, led by Delegate David A. Reid (D) of District 28. The nearly identical companion bill successfully navigated through the House Appropriations Committee, securing an impressive unanimous vote of 22 to zero. This development signals a positive stride forward for the tuition assistance initiative in the General Assembly.
“The unanimous approval by the House Appropriations Committee reflects a consensus among Delegates on the importance of addressing this critical issue promptly,” explained Andrew Czaplicki, Director of Communications for the Virginia National Guard Association.
“House Bill 366 represents a tremendous effort to make education more accessible for more Soldiers and Airmen. I am encouraged by the unanimous backing in the House Appropriations Committee and look forward to continued collaboration to ensure its success after crossover,” remarked Czaplicki.
The diverging paths of Senate Bill 219 and House Bill 366 underscore the complexities and challenges inherent in addressing issues related to education and tuition assistance in the National Guard. While the administrative delay of Senate Bill 219 poses a temporary setback, proponents remain committed to refining the house legislation for passage in both chambers later this month.
As the legislative landscape continues to evolve, the fate of these bills will be closely monitored by stakeholders, including Soldiers, Airmen, students, educators, and advocacy groups.
“The contrasting journeys of these bills highlight the intricate nature of policymaking, underscoring the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration to find comprehensive solutions to the pressing issues facing Guard Soldiers and Airmen seeking higher education,” Czaplicki said.
Use the following link to contact your Delegates and Senators regarding the proposed Virginia National Guard Tuition Assistance Program reforms. Visit vnga.us/advocacy to learn more about the association’s advocacy efforts and take action on other important issues facing the Guard.
Reporters, Editors & Producers: Leaders are available for interviews or to appear as subject matter experts on issues related to the Virginia National Guard Association. Email contact@vnga.us to schedule an interview or appearance.
About VNGA: Established in 1960, the Virginia National Guard Association, Inc. is a recognized non-profit, non-partisan, 501(c)(19) veterans’ service association representing over 10,000 Service Members of all ranks and status; enlisted, warrant and officer; traditional, active duty and retired.
Disclaimer: The Virginia National Guard Association, Inc., is a non-Federal entity. Official Department of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force or the Virginia National Guard endorsement of this organization is not stated or implied.