RICHMOND, Va. – Senator David M. Marsden (D-37) introduced a budget amendment to fully fund the Virginia National Guard’s State Tuition Assistance Program following Governor Ralph Northam’s State of the Commonwealth Address on Jan. 13, 2021.
“We’re also going to propose additional tuition assistance for our National Guard members,” Northam said during his annual address. “I sat down with Major General Timothy Williams last week, and told him how grateful I am for the work of the Guard. He said one thing we can do to help those Guard members is to provide more access to an affordable education.”
For the past ten years, the budget for the State Tuition Assistance Program has been set at $3,028,382 per year. Following the 2020 General Assembly, the program received its first increase of $250,000 per year, but was cut due to the economic impacts from the pandemic.
The proposed amendment increases the program’s budget by $3,244,118 totaling $6,272,500.
“The tuition assistance program is a huge recruiting and retention tool for our commander,” explained Maj. Andrew J. Czaplicki, VNGA president. “We sincerely appreciate this generous show of support from the Virginia General Assembly during such unprecedented times.”
The median cost of tuition at Virginia colleges and universities is estimated at $12,545 per year for tuition and fees. If approved, the increase would allow for up to 500 Soldiers or Airmen to take advantage of the benefit. Currently, 450 Guard Soldiers and Airmen receive partial tuition assistance each year.
“Our Guard members have been a huge support with the pandemic and now with the threats of violence in Washington, and I look forward to working with the General Assembly to get this done,” Northam said.
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 is a recognized non-profit 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.