DREAM Act Support Continues

This week, the State Senate failed to pass the New York State DREAM Act.  The legislation would allow undocumented students to apply for the State’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), as well as various in-state loans and scholarships.

On Monday morning, the New York State DREAM Act Coalition met at City Hall to call for Senate leadership to bring the bill for a vote. DREAMers gathered with labor leaders like CLC President Vincent Alvarez, 32BJ President Hector Figueroa, PSC CUNY President Barbara Bowen and State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento gathered with community leaders like La Fuente executive director Lucia Gomez to call attention to the need to pass the DREAM Act.  A Senate vote was held that afternoon, with the measure being narrowly defeated by two votes.

Despite Monday’s setback, the DREAM Act Coalition remains determined to see funding for the bill included in the final budget.    On Tuesday, the Coalition traveled to Albany to hold a news conference, calling for the bill to be included in the budget.  Subsequent DREAMer actions were held on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, as well.  Coalition members will be heading to Albany for the Somos El Future conference, to continue their work to the provisions of the bill become reality.