Your eyes on California Government

Katy Grimes: Despite the dire financial condition of the state, the California Legislature just passed legislation today allowing illegal immigrants to attend public colleges and universities with the help of financial aid, scholarships and state grants.

In July, Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 130, part one of the “California Dream Act of 2011,” authored by Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles. AB 130 approved private loans and scholarships to illegal immigrants. Most assume that Brown will also sign AB 131.

In addition to the private funding passed in July, AB 131 will now allow illegal immigrants to receive publicly funded state grants, scholarships to the public universities and colleges, as well as fee waivers.

In total, the Dream Act will allow students who are in the country illegally to pay in-state tuition, receive grants and private-college scholarships, and compete for slots in publicly funded schools, with legal residents of the state.

But this comes with a price. Estimates of the cost of AB 131 are $20.5 million to $30.5 million a year.

“We are losing the rule of law,” said Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, R-Hesperia. “We should be deciding how to get people into the country legally.” Donnelly said that legislators have disrespected the law by pitting one group of people against another – those who came to the country legally and “play by the rules,” and those who are here illegally.

“This is actually a proud and historic moment in government,” said Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, “while it may be a sad day for those who oppose lifting immigrants up.”

The arguments were partisan, with Democrats in support of the bill and Republicans opposed. Members of the Latino Caucus spoke about civil rights and addressed the changing demography in the state. Democratic Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez said that because of the Latino majority in schools, “we have to think about how to create an opportunity for all people.”

“If this is about racism, how do we choose which race wins?” asked Assemblywoman Linda Halderman, R-Fresno. Halderman spoke about her many Latino and African American classmates in medical school who are now doctors, and asked “how is it not about racism?”

“We need to look at reality – we don’t have enough schools for students,” Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills said. “We are offering false promises.”

“We are not spending our own money – it’s the public’s money. We work for the government,” Assemblyman Don Wagner, R-Irvine, reminded colleagues.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed several Dream Act bills. His last veto message still resonates: “Given the precarious fiscal condition the state faces at this time, it would not be prudent to place additional demands on our limited financial aid resources as specified in this bill.”

The Assembly voted 45-27 to include the Senate amendments into the bill. AB 131 is headed to the Gov. Brown.

Tags: budget deficit, Califo, California