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In a move to help the children of undocumented residents in Illinois afford college, the House on Monday sent Gov. Pat Quinn the Illinois DREAM Act.
The measure, which passed the House 61-53, would create a fund established through private donations and managed by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to provide financial assistance to undocumented students in Illinois. The bill would also allow families of the students to participate in the state's two college tuition savings programs.
The bill, which passed the Senate earlier this month, also contains provisions to train high school counselors to help undocumented students find ways to pay for their education.
Sponsoring Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago, assured his colleagues that the legislation will not cost the state a dime.
"The Illinois Dream Act would be funded entirely, entirely with private contributions, and would cost taxpayers nothing," Acevedo said during debate on the legislation.
Quinn released a statement following passage of the measure saying he will sign it.
“I believe everyone has the right to a first-class education, and the Illinois DREAM Act strengthens Illinois’ commitment to ensuring education for all," Quinn said. "The legislation allows private funding to be used to help students pay for higher education and to train high school counselors to assist undocumented children forward their educational careers.”
Lawmakers send Illinois Dream Act bill to Quinn - chicagotribune.com
California State Assembly committee passes part of state DREAM Act - The Daily Californian