Dream Act 2014 News: Two Weeks from Election, New York Governor Releases Policy Blueprint Supporting Dream Act
Just two weeks before the mid-term elections begin, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is seeking a second term, released his 245-page policy blueprint which recaps the achievement from his first term, and lists about 50-plus proposals he would like to carry out if re-elected.
Some of the proposals include plans for a new infrastructure bank, a $500 million fund to encourage local governments to consolidate services and new overseas trade missions.
Republicans had complained Cuomo was late in releasing his plans.
In his policy book, "Moving the *New* New York Forward," the Governor outlines his commitment to passing the DREAM Act and making higher education more affordable.
It states, "Throughout our nation's history, New York State has served as beacon for immigrants. The Governor strongly believes that the state should continue this tradition by supporting the New York State DREAM Act, which will support the advancement of undocumented immigrants by enabling them to apply for state college tuition assistance."
Cuomo said during the past legislative session he would sign the Dream Act if it crossed his desk. Assemblyman Francisco Moya was the lead sponsor of the DREAM Act. The bill has passed the Assembly twice, and in March needed just two more votes to pass in the Senate when the vote was 30 in favor and 29 opposed. The Act would provide financial aid for college regardless of a student's immigration status.
Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-NY) said about Cuomo support of the DREAM Act in his policy book.
"I could not agree more with Governor Andrew Cuomo passing the DREAM Act must be a top priority for the coming legislative session. As the Governor rightly points out, college is becoming increasingly expensive, and more students are living with more debt. That's why it is so critical that we pass the DREAM Act this year. With each passing year without a DREAM Act, more of New York's students are opting out college, forcing them to enter a job market that is not welcoming to those who lack a college education. If Governor Cuomo truly wants his legacy to be associated with economic resurgence and the alleviation of our college affordability problem, then he must act swiftly to pass the DREAM Act this year, before yet another class of students misses their opportunity to succeed."
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