Antoinette Light Johnson

This document proposes the establishment of a Veterans Textbook Support Grant in Virginia to provide financial assistance for textbooks and course materials for student veterans. The initiative aims to address the critical unmet need for educational funding, bridge the financial gap not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and align Virginia with neighboring states that offer veteran-specific education benefits. It recommends that the Governor and General Assembly establish and fund the grant to offer up to $1,000 annually to eligible student veterans.

The meeting included the DVS Operational Update delivered by the Commissioner, who discussed the NASDVA conference and potential agency legislation. An update was provided on the Virginia Veterans Network's digital hub features. Reports were delivered by the Board of Veterans Services and the Veterans Services Foundation. Under New Business, the board reviewed and selected six initiatives for the 2026 legislative session, including proposals on protecting veterans from unscrupulous firms, veteran suicide death certificate access, and the Veteran Textbook Support Grant. Public comment addressed the real property tax exemption for Virginia residents and the importance of the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP).

The Joint Leadership Council meeting agenda included an opening segment, meditation, roll call, quorum determination, and introduction of guests. Key discussion items covered updates on Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Operations and priorities, reports from the Board of Veterans Services (BVS) and Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VVSF). New business focused on reviewing veteran/military-related budget items in the Governor's Introduced Budget, reviewing the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) Initiative, reviewing status of 2025 legislative initiatives, reviewing plans for the 2025 JLC Day on the Hill, making committee appointments, adopting the 2026 Meeting Schedule and Work Plan, and receiving "Good of the Order" reports. The session concluded with a public comment period and closing remarks.

The agenda for this meeting included an opening, roll call, and approval of the agenda. Key discussion items involved updates on DVS Operations and Priorities, and New Business covering a vote on the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) Working Group's findings, updates on BVS Working Groups, review and vote on JLC 2026 Initiatives, a presentation on JLC Day on the Hill, discussion of Board Member Feedback, and 'Good of the Order' reports. The meeting also included a public comment period.

The Joint Leadership Council (JLC) convened to discuss several key issues. The council discussed proposed initiatives and letters, and six initiatives were selected to advance as part of the JLC 2026 legislative package, including a Chair letter concerning the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program. The VMSDEP committee met to discuss ensuring the program's long-term sustainability, including responsibilities, timetables, and recommended actions for the JLC. The council welcomed a new Veterans Service Organization, the Navy SEAL Foundation.