“While I believe the motive behind the DREAM Act is noble – to expand access to higher education – I believe those who voted in favor of it have done a disservice to the citizens of New York state, especially those who are college-bound or currently paying student loans. This legislation allows the use of our tax dollars to provide college tuition assistance to illegal immigrants, while legal residents find themselves crushed under the weight of burdensome student loan debt.

“We talk about the American Dream and the right of so many to pursue it, but what about our residents? They have dreams too. Many cannot afford to buy a home, save for their children’s education, or simply make ends meet all because they can’t get out from under their student loans while also burdened by our state’s excessive taxes. I simply believe we should do more for our citizens as that is who we are here to serve. We haven’t gone far enough in cutting college costs for our citizens and that should have been the priority.”