Update: DREAM ACT Headed to Gov. Brown's Desk

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.