Devin Boyle | 202.445.0416 | Devin@dfer.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Democrats for Education Reform Commends Senator Patty Murray and Representative Jared Polis for IN-STATE Act of 2014
Washington, January 16, 2014 – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) issued the following statement from Policy Director Charles Barone today commending Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) for introducing the “Investing in States to Achieve Tuition Equality for Dreamers Act” (also known as the IN-STATE Act of 2014).
“Anyone who works hard enough to gain entry to college should be encouraged, not turned aside. The IN-STATE Act of 2014 would ensure that states that have made the right decision have the resources they need to help students pursue their dreams through the American Dream Grant program, which provides incentives for states to set equitable in-state tuition rates for undocumented students. The American Dream Grants would supplement state financial aid systems to increase access and expand opportunity for these students.
“The bill’s full title refers to the DREAM Act, a bill first proposed in 2001 by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT). That bill, which has been reintroduced several times since, would provide permanent residency to immigrants who fulfill several criteria, including either two years of military service or attendance at an institution of higher education.
“While the DREAM Act has yet to be signed into law, 14 states have adopted their own versions of the DREAM Act that address tuition and financial aid for immigrants who are not yet American citizens. The IN-STATE Act would provide critical support for these states and any others that pass similar laws in the future.
“Democrats for Education Reform encourages the swift adoption of the IN-STATE Act and looks forward to working with Congress in helping all of our nation’s students earn a college degree.”
About Democrats for Education Reform
Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a political reform organization with 13 state offices that cultivates and supports leaders in the Democratic party who champion America’s public schoolchildren.
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