East Patchogue, NY - June 7, 2016 - The New York State Assembly has once again voted to pass the “DREAM Act,” which uses tax dollars to provide college tuition for illegal immigrants. Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C,I-East Patchogue) voted against the bill, saying it is not a "dream" but instead, is a "nightmare,” for those legal residents who can't seem to get the help that they need for college.
“By passing the imprudent DREAM Act, the Assembly Majority has once again decided to incentivize illegal activity over providing help to our legal residents who are struggling with the rising costs of higher education. This bill comes to the floor every year, yet we can't seem to get bills like A.3049, which would increase the threshold for TAP (Tuition Assistance Program), to come up for a vote. We have high school students across our state who cannot afford to go to college, and those who do are graduating with mountains of debt.
“Let's call this bill what it is, another incentive for those who break the law. We will never get true, comprehensive immigration reform as long as we continue to provide rewards and incentives for those who are breaking our immigration laws. Rather than spending our time and tax dollars trying to provide help to those who have broken the law, I would much rather fight to provide help to the thousands of legal, taxpaying residents who are struggling to afford a higher education."
Murray is a proud co-sponsor of A.3049 and has been an advocate for making higher education more affordable and accessible since he joined the Assembly.