I am writing to urge your continued support for House Bill 1595 and Senate Bill 1106, which have both unanimously passed their respective houses and have now crossed over for consideration in the other chamber. These bills introduce essential reforms to the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP), benefiting both our National Guard members and the institutions of higher education they attend. The proposed legislation amends existing code to remove barriers to implementation, ensuring more effective support for our service members. One of the most significant changes addresses the financial strain placed on National Guard personnel. Currently, students must cover tuition costs upfront and seek reimbursement from the state, often forcing them to take out student loans. While STAP provides tuition assistance, it does not cover interest accrued on these loans, placing an unnecessary financial burden on our service members. These bills rectify this issue, creating a more accessible and effective system. Additionally, the legislation improves academic requirements by shifting from a rigid per-course GPA standard to an overall academic performance evaluation. This change is particularly critical for Guard members who may need to withdraw from courses due to unexpected mobilizations (e.g., COVID response, Jan. 6th, Texas-Southwest Border operations) or changes in their academic path. This revision ensures that those who serve are not unfairly penalized for circumstances beyond their control. By supporting HB 1595 and SB 1106, you will help provide the Virginia National Guard with the financial stability and flexibility they need to succeed academically and professionally. These Soldiers and Airmen live, work, and serve in every zip code, county, and district in Virginia—their success directly strengthens our communities. I appreciate your time and consideration, and I urge you to support these vital bills as they move forward. Please ensure that our Virginia National Guard members receive the assistance they deserve.

I am reaching out to strongly advocate for your endorsement of House Bill 1595 and Senate Bill 1106, specifically addressing the proposed adjustments to the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program. As a dedicated member of our community, I firmly believe that these bills present a crucial opportunity to enhance support for our Virginia National Guard members and the higher education institutions they attend. The proposed modifications outlined in these bills will bring about essential changes to the existing structure of the Virginia National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP). By removing barriers to implementation and addressing key challenges faced by National Guard personnel, these bills have the potential to have a significant positive impact. One of the most pressing issues that these bills seek to address is the requirement for the Commonwealth to issue grants prior to the start of the semester. This current obligation places undue financial strain on National Guard members, who are often left to cover initial expenses upfront and seek reimbursement later. This can lead to the need for student loans, further adding to the financial burden faced by our dedicated service members. By streamlining this process and providing more comprehensive financial support, we can ensure that our National Guard members can pursue their education without unnecessary financial hardship. Furthermore, the proposed modifications will also focus on adapting the academic performance requirements of the STAP to better accommodate unexpected situations, such as sudden mobilizations or changes in academic focus. By prioritizing overall academic achievement over per-course grades, these bills aim to provide a more flexible and supportive framework for National Guard members pursuing higher education. Your support for House Bill 1595 and Senate Bill 1106 will not only demonstrate your commitment to our Virginia National Guard members but also contribute to the strength and resilience of our higher education institutions. I urge you to champion these bills in the upcoming legislative session, ensuring that our National Guard Soldiers and Airmen receive the necessary support to succeed in their academic pursuits. Thank you for taking the time to consider this important issue. Your continued dedication to the well-being of our community is greatly appreciated.