1.23.19 - Senator Fred Akshar Releases Survey Results on NYS DREAM Act

Senator Fred Akshar released the results of the first in a series of online surveys posted earlier this month gauging constituents on the NYS DREAM Act (S.1250), which would allow children of undocumented immigrants to apply for state-funded, free college tuition assistance programs for New York State colleges or universities.

The survey, posted on Akshar.NYSenate.Gov drew nearly 2,200 total responses from residents in the 52nd Senate District, across New York State.

The results showed:

Within the 52nd Senate District, 85% of respondents opposed the proposal, 14% supported it.
Outside of the 52nd Senate District, New York respondents opposed the measure 93% to 5% with 1% undecided.
In giving a reason for opposition, the majority of respondents felt any funding available should go to support tuition and loan assistance for families and students that are US citizens.

“The people of the 52nd Senate District overwhelmingly oppose this legislation,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “Many respondents noted that they are struggling to afford college tuition for their own children or to pay off their own student loan debt. I agree. Any resources to make college more affordable should first go toward aiding these struggling New York families and helping relieve their crippling student loan debt.”

Akshar asked the same question in his 2017 Community Voice Survey. In 2017, 82% of respondents from the 52nd Senate District opposed the DREAM Act, while 18% supported it.

Throughout the 2019-2020 Legislative Session, Akshar will regularly post new Community Voice Survey questions on Akshar.NYSenate.Gov and publish the results of previously asked questions.

“While I publicly opposed this legislation, it's important for me to continually allow the people of the 52nd Senate District to weigh in on issues and share the results,” Akshar said. “It's also about being open and accountable to the people.”

Akshar plans to release a new public survey on a new issue later this week.

Full Survey Results

Question: Do you support or oppose the NYS DREAM Act, which would allow children of undocumented immigrants to apply for state-funded, free college tuition assistance programs for New York State colleges or universities and create a private scholarship fund specifically for undocumented students?

• 52nd Senate District (2,116 Responses)
  • Support 14%
  • Oppose 85%
  • Undecided 1%
• Responses from New York State Residents Outside of the 52nd Senate District (76 Responses)
  • Support 5%
  • Oppose 93%
  • Undecided 1%

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