I am writing to urge your support for House Bill 366, specifically addressing the proposed changes to the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program. As a concerned constituent, I believe these bills will greatly benefit both our Virginia National Guard members and the institutions of higher education they attend. The bill amends existing code and introduces crucial modifications to the current structure of the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program, or STAP. In summary, the bill removes barriers to implementation. The largest obstacle that National Guard personnel face is the requirement for the Commonwealth to issue the grants prior to the start of the semester. Under the prevailing code, Soldiers or Airmen are burdened with the onus of meeting the initial financial obligations upfront, necessitating them to later pursue reimbursement through the state. In a majority of instances, this compels students to resort to taking out student loans, adding an unwarranted financial strain. Notably, while the STAP does furnish funds to fulfill tuition requirements, it regrettably falls short in addressing the accrual of interest on these loans. This critical shortcoming not only places an unjust burden on our dedicated service members but also underscores the pressing need for a more comprehensive and supportive financial framework that acknowledges and alleviates the financial challenges they face in pursuit of their education. The imperative alteration revolves around the pivotal aspect of academic performance. The current program mandates a minimum grade of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for each individual course. However, the flaw lies in its inability to accommodate students who find themselves compelled to withdraw from courses unexpectedly, such as during instances of sudden mobilization (e.g., Jan. 6th, COVID Response, Texas-Southwest Border, etc.) or those who decide to shift their majors. By streamlining the code to prioritize overall academic achievement instead of fixating on per-course accomplishments, we amplify the impact of the STAP. This strategic shift ensures that financial constraints are not unfairly imposed due to unforeseen circumstances, aligning the program with a more compassionate and adaptable approach to support students in their academic journey. By supporting House Bill 366, you would contribute significantly to the welfare of our National Guard members and promote a stronger foundation for higher education institutions in our state. I kindly request you to champion these bills in the upcoming legislative session, ensuring that our Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen receive the support they deserve. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to seeing your continued commitment to the well-being of our community.

I am writing to seek your support for House Bill 366, which proposes crucial changes to the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP). As a dedicated constituent, I firmly believe that these proposed modifications will significantly benefit both our Virginia National Guard members and the higher education institutions they attend. In essence, House Bill 366 aims to eliminate barriers hindering the effective implementation of the STAP. One major impediment faced by National Guard personnel is the requirement for the Commonwealth to issue grants before the start of the semester. Currently, Soldiers and Airmen are burdened with meeting initial financial obligations, leading to the need for reimbursement through the state and, in many cases, reliance on student loans. Unfortunately, the STAP falls short in addressing the accruing interest on these loans, placing an unjust financial burden on our dedicated service members. This highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive and supportive financial framework. Furthermore, the bill addresses academic performance by shifting the focus from individual course grades to overall achievement. The existing program's requirement of a minimum grade of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for each course poses challenges for students facing unexpected circumstances, such as sudden mobilization or changing majors. Streamlining the code to prioritize overall academic performance ensures that the STAP adapts to unforeseen circumstances, promoting a more compassionate and adaptable approach to supporting students in their academic journey. Your support for House Bill 366 will significantly contribute to the well-being of our National Guard members and fortify the foundation of higher education institutions in our state. I kindly urge you to champion these bills during the upcoming legislative session, ensuring that our Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen receive the support they rightfully deserve. Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your continued commitment to the well-being of our community.