“I was against this proposal two years ago, and I remain against it today. I cannot in good conscience support diverting tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds annually to children of illegal immigrants by giving them access to TAP grants and other higher education assistance programs when so many students are struggling to meet the costs of higher education. Sheldon Silver needs to come to the realization that the wallets of taxpayers are not bottomless pits. His proposal may work in New York City, but the overwhelming majority of people I have been elected to represent are vehemently opposed to it. I represent their interests, not the interests of downstate special interest groups, and I will not support this legislation.”
- New York State Senator Mark Grisanti, 60th District