RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin on May 15th, issued Executive Directive Seven to address recent changes made by the General Assembly to the Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). The Directive establishes a stakeholder-driven task force to review the changes and to help inform the development of guidance and other materials that minimize the impact on military and veteran families to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, the task force will consider further program changes and provide recommendations to address any unintended consequences of the reforms recently passed by the General Assembly. The task force will recommend changes to the General Assembly ahead of next year’s enrollment deadline.

“On May 15th, I am issuing this executive directive because it is vital that we study this issue and address it in a future budget to avoid any unintended consequences,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I am eager to work with the legislature and all stakeholders, especially our Gold Star families, to ensure the sustainability of the VMSDEP program, advise SCHEV on the implementation of new eligibility requirements, and address the unintended consequences of policy changes that impact the eligibility for our military families who have made sacrifices for our nation. It is important that lawmakers review this issue so that we can provide a better path forward.”