Senator Dilan, Democratic Conference Members Host NY DREAM Act Forum

Senator Martin Malavé Dilan joined Senate Democratic Conference colleagues during a public forum on the New York State DREAM Act.

Students and fiscal and educational experts were called upon to comment on the proposed legislation that will provide access to state-funded financial aid (TAP) and scholarships to qualifying undocumented youth as they seek to attend higher education institutions. Forum participants discussed the financial and educational benefits of enacting the DREAM Act in New York.

Earlier this year the legislation failed to pass on the Senate floor. However, Senator Dilan and colleagues continue to advocate for the act’s passage by the close of this year’s legislative session. Once passed by the State Senate, this legislation will provide access to state financial aid programs, including grants, loans and scholarships for undocumented youth in New York.

“Equal access to education is a fundamental Democratic principle. The Dream Act ensures that the opportunity and tools to fully realize the American Dream are available to all. The fight for this important measure in New York will go on until we truly have equal access for all to the state’s colleges and universities,” said Senator Martin Malavé Dilan.