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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 2, 2024 12:51 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Judith L. Schwank |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Pennsylvania DREAM Act |
| I will soon reintroduce the Pennsylvania DREAM Act. Modeled off legislation previously introduced by former Senator and Congressman Lloyd Smucker, my proposal would enable resident students who complete at least their two final years of high school in Pennsylvania and graduate, or earn an equivalency certificate, to qualify for resident tuition rates at state and state-supported institutions. In addition, my proposal will make these students eligible for PHEAA assistance at both public and private schools within the Commonwealth. Immigration policy is a federal issue that remains unresolved, and while states cannot change that, we can address the reality in our communities. Many immigrant students have spent most of their lives within our Commonwealth and are vital members of our communities. This proposal doesn't alter the broader immigration debate - it simply recognizes that these students have already been a part of our community. By offering them access to affordable higher education, we provide a path to greater contribution to the state’s economy and well-being. The alternative, denying them this opportunity, benefits no one. This legislation was previously introduced as SB394 and was co-sponsored by Senators Costa, Tartaglione, Hughes, Kearney, Fontana, Haywood, Street, Cappelletti, Comitta, Saval, Muth, and L. Williams. With over a dozen states having already enacted some version of the Dream Act, I urge you to consider supporting similar legislation here in Pennsylvania. |