TRENTON - The Latino Action Network (LAN) praised the New Jersey
Assembly for passing legislation that makes Dreamers eligible for college financial
aid and scholarships offered by the State of New Jersey.
Assembly
Bill A-3467 passed by a 49 to 24 vote. Members of the Latino Action Network
organized a statewide campaign in the last week in an effort to secure the
necessary votes. The New Jersey Senate passed the bill on March 25.
“I commend Legislators in the Assembly voting
for this bill. It is a great victory for our community,” said LAN President
Christian Estevez. “I look forward to seeing Governor Murphy sign this bill
into law thereby creating a brighter future for hundreds of deserving
students.”
“By
passing this legislation, New Jersey has directly challenged the message of
anger and bigotry emanating from the Trump Administration in Washington,”
Estevez added. “It says that we are a state that welcomes immigrants and
embraces diversity.”
The
bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic), Annette Quijano
(D-Union), Mila Jasey (D-Essex, Morris), and Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson).
In 2013 LAN worked with students to push
for the passage of legislation that provided for both In-State Tuition and
Financial Aid for Dreamers. While In-State Tuition became law, the financial
aid portion was vetoed by then Governor Christie.
The
bill now goes to Governor Murphy’s desk for signature. If all falls into place
Dreamers will be eligible for New Jersey financial aid in time for September
and the start of the new semester.
“Dreamers
deserve the same benefits as those who like them have been raised in New Jersey
and are loyal to our country,” said Estevez.
LAN is a broad, statewide coalition of Latino organizations dedicated
to political empowerment, the promotion of civil rights, and the elimination of
disparities in the areas of education, health, and employment. It was founded
in 2009.
