Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R,C,I – Big Flats) is calling on Gov. Cuomo and the two houses of the Legislature to remove the DREAM Act from the proposed budget for the state. In a 30-day amendment filed by the governor, the future of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is tied to the passage of the DREAM Act. Assemblyman Friend has been a long-time opponent of the legislation.

“For Gov. Cuomo to endanger the very future of TAP, whether as a bargaining chip or starting point, for financing of illegal immigrants is a gross misconduct of his office,” Friend said. “TAP funding has been and continues to be an essential part of New York’s future. To tie the DREAM Act, a piece of legislation the people of New York have stated on numerous occasions that they do not support, to TAP, a program that is wholly above reproach, is a last-ditch effort to force this bill down the throats of New Yorkers. TAP is post-partisan, why attach it to something partisan? TAP funding should be secured year-in and year-out. My hope is that this controversial legislation will be removed from the budget and that we can save TAP.”