Update: DREAM ACT Headed to Gov. Brown's Desk
AB 131 would enable undocumented students to apply for and receive public financial aid for college.
Updated: The California DREAM Act, which will allow access to public education funds to uncomented students, is on its way to Governor Jerry Brown's desk after passing through the State Assembly on a concurrence vote on Friday.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), was passed by the State Senate though 22-11 party line vote on Thursday, with Democrats voting in the affirmative.
The Senate, though, did make some changes to the DREAM Act's language, including provision to make graduates of technical and adult schools, and delaying implementation until 2013.
The Assembly approved those changes throug a 45-27 vote on Friday.
One Highland Park residents who supports the bill is Luis Antezana, a Franklin High School graduate and prominent local volunteer.
Born in Bolivia, Antezana said he did not become aware of the fact that he was undocumented until his senior year in high school. Though his grades and sterling list of extra-curricular activities made him eligible for a college in the University of California system, his citizenship status made it almost impossible for him to afford it.
Antezana is now studying political Science at Cal-State Los Angeles.
"AB131 would not fix the problem of undocumented students having a very difficult time paying for higher education entirely," Antezana said. "But it would definitely give hope and a new incentive to battered and beaten undocumented students who have lost the will to continue with their education and become the doctors, lawyers, legislators and politicians they dreamed about when they were kids. "
Previously: Undocumented students dreaming of tapping into public financial aid to help pay for college are close to seeing that wish come true.
The state Senate on Thursday voted to approve the second portion of a two-part bill that would enable undocumented students who meet the in-state tuition requirements to apply for and get scholarships, Cal Grants, and community college waivers, reported the Los Angeles Times.
Assembly Bill 131 passed on a 22-11 party-line vote, with Democrats supporting the legislation and Republicans opposing it, according to the Los Angeles Times. The bill must return to the Assembly for a concurrence vote on changes the Senate made and if approved, goes to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature.
Assemblyman Gilberto Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), whose district includes parts of Highland Park and Mount Washington, first introduced the California DREAM Act in 2006, according to the californiadreamact.org. The legislation was split into two bills in January. The first part, Assembly Bill 130, was approved and signed by the governor earlier this year. That part allows students who meet the in-state tuition requirements to apply for and receive scholarships from non-state funds.
The second portion, approved on Tuesday, makes it possible for qualified students to tap into public financial aid funds.
Are you or do you know any Dreamers living in Highland Park or Mount Washington? If so, please share your comments on this story with editor David Fonseca at david.fonseca@patch.com.
Susan R
8:00 am on Saturday, September 3, 2011
This means less grant money for poor US citizens. And, people that broke the law get to pay less than US citizens from other states. Illegal aliens wil get to pay in state tutition and US citizens from other states, including the military have to pay out of state tutition which is much more money. It seems unfair.
Those that are here legally should get first crack on taxpayers money. And, those here legally should be able to pay in state tutition fees. We should treat US citizens better than those that break the law.
Darcy Brown
7:49 pm on Saturday, September 3, 2011
discusting, No we wont pay for people here illegally, go back to mexico and go to college, colleges dont teach how to be a gang banger! our public schools are ruined. these corrupt congressmen need to be recalled
mayra
1:58 pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2011
It seems like the only gang banger here is you!
Gabriella
3:12 am on Sunday, September 4, 2011
This is the worst and most disgusting piece of legislature I, a college senior, have had to face in my lifetime. There are plenty of legal, academically-savvy individuals who are denied any type of financial aid. Yet we want to fund immigrants who live off of welfare, can barely read or speak English, and don't financially contribute to taxes. Wow. I am a self-proclaimed Democrat, but such retarded legislature makes me want to convert to the Republican party. At least they don't support illegals who make our public school systems go down the toilet!
mayra
1:55 pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Wow!!! The only disgusting thing here is you!! Exactly, because we want to get these people out of welfare we must give hard-working students the opportunity to progress. Get your information straight! This bill will only benefit those students who graduated high school, who speak English, and who want to contribute to America. I can't believe you are a college senior who were your professors? It is a shame before commenting, or trying to argue something you must get yourself informed. This is not about being a Democrat, or Republican this is about doing what is right, humane, and logical. By helping these children get a higher education not only will they benefit, but our country will also progress.
don honda
8:56 am on Sunday, September 4, 2011
Re: AB 131
Here's what we have to look forward to, with audio links, even:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/hispanicleaders.asp
David Fonseca
12:15 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2011
Perhaps we can steer this conversation in a direction where we aren't making wild assumptions about undocumented youth? As with any piece of legislation--there are going to be pros and cons, and can certainly talk about them. There's no room for hate in this discussion, though.
Luis Antezana
2:17 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2011
The ignorance and appalling hatred horrifies me.
Here are the FACTS regarding this "disgusting piece of legislation", Assembly Bill 131, directly from the office of Gil Cedillo.
Please, educate yourself before you make a fool out of yourself.
"The California DREAM Act, first introduced by Cedillo in 2006, was introduced as two bills in January of this year. The first bill AB 130, which was signed by Governor Brown on July 25, will allow students that meet the in-state tuition requirements to apply for and receive scholarships derived from non-state funds.
AB 131 would allow students that meet the in-state tuition requirements to apply and receive financial aid at California public colleges and universities. The types of financial aid these students would be eligible for include: 1) Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver 2) Institutional Student Aid: student aid program administered by the attending college or university (i.e. State University Grant, UC Grant) and 3) Cal Grants. **These students would not be eligible to apply or receive any Competitive Cal Grants unless funding remains available after all California resident students have received Competitive awards they are eligible for. ** "
Josue
2:47 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2011
I see some people leaving comments that are simply ignorant. First off, people assume the students that will benefit from this are "gang bangers" and "can't speak english" which makes no sense. In order for someone to get accepted into a university they first have to meet the requirements and second of all, gang. bangers" don't really seek higher education. People on here leaving senseless comments should read the bill and use a little commonsense before leaving a comment that makes then seem completely ignorant.
darrell
3:10 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2011
ignorant huh! well if these illegal mexicans all wants to come to america to get an education...whats wrong with the teachers there ? are they to dumb to speak in spanish?
Nimby pimp
5:02 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2011
@ darrell, I am inspired to commend you on your excellent use of the English language and great political insight. Your posts (four anti-Mexican and one anti-police) reveal a sage and erudite individual. Keep up the good work!
Johnny Salazar
5:17 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2011
Darrell, do you honestly think immigrants come here just for school? Are the majority of people crossing the boarder teenagers and small children with backpacks and notebooks trying to get an education? No they are not. The kids who seek aid are probably sons and daughters of immigrants who had no real choice but to come to the States.You should really take a second to think about what you say before you spew a bunch of nonsense. Be a bit more logical, it might benefit you.
don honda
4:14 pm on Sunday, September 4, 2011
Here's the Sac Capitol site to see the latest amended version of AB 131. It doesn't seem to contain any version that the Assembly agreed on and passed, only the Senate version:
http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/Bills/AB_131/20112012/
Nimby pimp
9:30 am on Monday, September 5, 2011
@Johnny Salazar, If you are genuinely concerned about the scapegoating of immigrants evidenced here, I'd suggest you involve yourself in a get-out-the-vote effort for Latinos. They could very well be decisive voters in the 2012 elections.
mayra
1:40 pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2011
First of all, these students did not break any law; they were brought to this country at a young age! Second, it is only for those who really want an education and who are working very hard to accomplish their dreams! Also, by giving them an education they will be able to provide and support this country instead of depending upon it. I don't understand why there are so many ignorant people out there. STOP thinking that you are the center of the universe and that illegal students don't deserve the opportunity to succeed and strive for their dreams. Thank God the Dream Act is out there, I wouldn't want to be part of a country that denies hard-working students the opportunity of higher education.
Lili
5:59 pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2011
@Luis, thank you for actually looking at the proposed law and for citing it here.
@Gabriella: it would be great if you could cite some data to support some of the assertions that you are making. I don't anticipate a long line of "gang bangers" invading Sacramento for higher ed grants. I suspect that actual the percentage of people who will attempt to gain DREAM ACT support is actually quite modest in comparison to those who are entitled to it through citizenry. California boasts a massive economy. Wouldn't it be nice to extend some aid to children of families who have supported the economy by providing a regrettably underpaid labor force? And to assume that they pay not a cent in taxes is also misguided, considering that many of the working classes are part of a ever-growing consumer class that pays state and local taxes just by PURCHASING stuff...and a lot of it.
@darrell...you're punking us, right?
Susan R
6:43 am on Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Don Honda, that first link to that website is downright freightening. I have not seen anything so racist. I do not think that David saw that. I would suggest everyone see it because people need to see the new face of racism.
And, to Lili, do you know how many free services are given away to those that are not here legally? Free medical, dental, WIC, welfare, education, discounts on utility bills, ect. The few dollars paid in sales tax never come close to the amount paid out in services. Your punking us right?