As Part of California Dream Act Heads to the Senate Floor, Advocates Urge Calls to Governor

by Gabriela Garcia · 2011-07-14 06:33:00 UTC
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Today,  Thursday, July 14, one component of the bills collectively known as the "California Dream Act" will head to the Senate floor, after clearing the Appropriations Committee earlier this week. AB130 would give hardworking immigrant youth who lack papers the opportunity to apply for private scholarships that don't come from state funds.

If AB130 passes the Senate on Thursday, it will head to the desk of California Governor Jerry Brown. Now is the moment to urge Brown to take action on a bill that would stop many high school students from wasting their potential. More than 1,800 Change.org members have already signed a petition started by local advocates in favor of the CA Dream Act, and the governor is feeling the urgency.

In an email earlier today, a representative from Brown's office wrote, “The Governor continues to support the principles behind the Dream Act and will closely consider legislation that reaches his desk.”

Currently, 40% of undocumented high school graduates reside in California. These students face an uphill battle toward access to higher education. Even if they excel academically, have huge potential to become future professionals, and take part in countless volunteer and community work, these students still face the daunting prospect of coming up with full tuition without access to financial aid. A huge roadblock toward higher education for many undocumented young people, lack of access to financial aid results in fewer college graduates and a less educated population, neither of which benefit anyone.

A companion bill, AB 131, would allow undocumented students who meet in-state tuition requirements to access state financial aid, and make higher education even more accessible to a greater number of people. According to the office of state senator Christine Kehoe, who is the state appropriations committee chair, that bill has been placed in suspense and will receive a hearing in August.

Call Governor Brown immediately at (916) 445-2841 and urge him to keep his word by taking action to pass both bills. Finally, don't forget to sign this petition calling on the CA Senate and Gov. Brown to support equal access to education and pass the California Dream Act now.

Photo Credit: Korean Resource Center

Gabriela Garcia is a freelance writer who has written for Latina, the Miami New Times, National Geographic Traveler blog, and Matador Network blogs, amongst other publications.

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