CURRAN VOICES OPPOSITION TO THE DREAM ACT

Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st A.D.) recently reiterated his opposition to the New York Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, a legislative proposal that would make financial aid available to illegal immigrants at colleges and universities across New York. Curran said the priority of Assembly Democrats doesn’t match up with that of New Yorkers and that the act would jeopardize tuition assistance for legal residents in his district and across the state.

“I have consistently said that our precious taxpayer dollars should not be available to people who live here illegally,” said Curran. “This program will cost taxpayers $27 million to start. This would jeopardize funding for graduating seniors in school districts across the state. If this bill were to get signed into law and the state gets into financial trouble, Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) qualifications can be changed to unqualify middle class kids in my district who are currently pending approval for assistance. As it stands right now, illegal immigrants in New York State are already granted in-state tuition rates at our public colleges. With the limited amount of funds available for students who are legal citizens, it’s my priority to make sure that kids in my district, who are struggling to pay their way through college, get access to college assistance and benefits first.”

Curran said Assembly Democrats should address ethics reform, something 97 percent of New Yorkers want before the end of session, rather than a bill that will not even be considered by the Senate this year. Curran voted against the measure.

“Here we are at the end of session, debating a measure that has no chance of becoming law anytime soon, with a host of other issues to consider that New Yorkers consider major priorities,” said Curran. “Those include measures like pension forfeiture, term limits and new campaign contribution limitations, the heroin epidemic claiming the lives of residents across the state, and tax relief for middle-class families. There are so many other issues we should be considering right now, and with limited time left in this legislative session, the DREAM Act shouldn’t be a priority.”

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