Photo By Rachel Larue | Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. Garfola Wright gives...... read more read more
JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe proposed legislation Jan. 9 that aims to strengthen the state’s economy with “common sense measures to strengthen our Commonwealth’s standing as the best place on earth for military personnel, veterans and their families to live, work and thrive,” according to a press release.
The proposed legislation needs to make it through the Virginia General Assembly but, if passed, would expand the state’s relationship with the Department of Defense significantly by adding ways service members transitioning out of the service can earn college credits.
To make college more affordable, McAuliffe proposed that veterans have the option of transferring their military background into the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), which would allow recently-discharged Virginia veterans seeking affordable higher education to receive academic credit for military education and training.
“When you are in the military, you are sent to training courses that can be translated on the civilian side as academic credit,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program transition service manager. “For example, a service member specializing in logistics could put the training they receive towards a bachelor’s degree in logistics management, reducing the amount of credits they would normally have to take to earn that degree.”
The VCCS would adopt policies for each community college to identify, verify and award credits for a military training course or program, according to the press release.
McAuliffe also proposed local school districts receive federal funding by implementing a “military children identifier,” in Virginia schools that enroll uniformed services-connected children. The system would allow tracking of data to help inform policy and program decisions for this unique student population, according to the release.
Last on the list of proposed items is the Military Bond Initiative, which would allow the Virginia Public Building Authority to issue bonds for military mission improvement and expansion projects as recommended by the Commission on Military Installations and Defense Activities, which McAuliffe created through an executive order March 1, 2013.
“We are fortunate to have in Virginia one of the largest concentrations of military and defense activities, facilities, personnel and families in the country,” said McAuliffe in a statement March 3, 2013. “Given the significant economic impact that our military installations and defense activities have on our Commonwealth, and in view of the recently announced proposed Department of Defense budget cuts and potential 2017 base realignment and closure activity, it has never been more vital for us to work hand-in-hand with our defense and military partners to ensure the continued vitality of these assets.”
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.23.2015 18:45 |
| Story ID: | 152641 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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