by John Cosgrove

Military service members and veterans account for over 10 percent of Virginia’s population, which is why the Commonwealth needs to be at the forefront of creating policies that eliminate any obstacles they may face. This year in the Virginia Senate, I introduced SB 1335, which would require the Virginia Community College System to provide academic credit in exchange for previous military training courses and programs.

One of the key benefits of SB 1335 would create a more seamless transition for service members and veterans to obtain employment outside of the military community once they fulfill their degree requirements. Academic credit for previous coursework would also encourage our veterans to continue to call Virginia home.

I hope you would join me in supporting educational opportunities for our military service members and veterans. The hurdles for SB 1335 have been cleared in the Senate, and will be heard in the House of Delegates for consideration in February. If you support this legislation, please reach out to your delegate to encourage a yes vote. Virginia’s military members and veterans deserve it.

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Currently, a taxpaying citizen must bear the burden of proof if they disagree with the real estate tax assessment from their locality. SB 872 is designed to require the locality to provide equitable research to the citizen, should they appeal their assessment. It passed the Virginia Senate on Jan. 26, by a vote of 39-0.

It will be voted on in the House of Delegates after crossover occurs on Feb. 11.

Sen. John Cosgrove (R-14) represents parts of Franklin, Isle of Wight County and Southampton County. He can be reached at district14@senate.virginia.gov.