NY lawmakers pass state Dream Act

Source: Associated Press


David Klepper and Deepti Hajela, Associated Press
Updated 7:13 pm CST, Wednesday, January 23, 2019

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York lawmakers voted Wednesday to extend state financial aid to students brought into the country illegally as children, a key liberal priority that had been blocked by Republicans for years until Democrats won control of the state Senate last fall.

The so-called Dream Act will ensure that New York children will have the same access to state loans and grants no matter their legal status as American citizens. To be eligible, a person must have a New York high school diploma or the equivalent or meet the requirements for in-state tuition.

California, Texas and four other states already have similar laws on the books. In New York, the measure is expected to cost $27 million annually. A new state commission and state fund would be created to identify private sources of funding for scholarships.

The Senate passed the bill Wednesday afternoon, hours before the Assembly followed suit. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo supports the measure and is expected to sign it into law.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/education/article/NY-lawmakers-set-to-pass-state-Dream-Act-13555835.php