Deadline Fast Approaching on AB 131, DREAM Act II; Assemblyman Tim Donnelly Urges Veto

According to the Sacramento Bee, the long list of pending bills on Governor Jerry Brown’s desk includes AB 131, often referred to as DREAM Act II. The bill would allow illegal aliens students in California universities and community colleges to receive publicly funded tuition assistance. Brown has until Sunday night to decide whether to veto or sign measures passed in this year’s legislative session.

A few weeks ago, Brown sought and received changes in AB 131 to lower its costs by not allowing graduates of technical schools and adult schools to participate and to delay implementation until January 2013. Earlier, Brown signed AB 130 that allows alien students access to private financial aid.

Assuming the bill becomes law, an outcry from California citizens will soon follow. California Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who represents the 59^th District, has been urging voters to write and/or call Brown demanding that the governor veto the bill veto the bill.

In a statement Donnelly issued recently, he wrote:

"AB 131, the second part of the California "DREAM Act" is a nightmare for citizens. Students are already struggling to pay increased tuition and many cannot even get into the classes they need, but the Legislature continues to pretend we can afford this entitlement. The simple truth is, everyone, including the Governor knows we can't.

"The fiscal impact of granting illegal alien students access to the State funded Cal Grant on top of the in-state tuition rate already afforded them, is staggering. Analysts estimate the cost to be in the tens of millions annually and say it is likely to increase over time as the promise of inexpensive, high quality education draws more illegal immigration to the State.

"In another egregious attempt to circumvent our immigration laws, AB 1081, will expand sanctuary city policies, like those in San Francisco, to apply to whole counties. This bill is disastrous. Governor Brown himself, when serving as California Attorney General, spoke out about the significant danger to public safety this would pose.

"Together, these measures show a complete disregard of our immigration laws. It is imperative that citizens call the Governor and tell him what they think about AB 131 and AB 1081."

Donnelly plans a referendum should AB 131 become law. More information about that effort will follow if Brown signs.