Money lacking for Washington 'Dream Act,' state lawmaker says

The Associated Press By The Associated Press
March 29, 2013 at 1:54 PM, updated March 29, 2013 at 1:55 PM

OLYMPIA — A key Washington state lawmaker says state funds are too scarce to extend college aid to illegal immigrants. The statements by Republican Sen. Barbara Bailey dim the prospects of the measure supporters call the Washington Dream Act.

Writing Friday in Washington Focus, Bailey said the state makes too many promises it can't afford to keep.

Bailey is chairwoman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, which held a hearing on the measure Thursday. Also on the committee is Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom of Medina. Tom, a Democrat, supports the measure, giving it a likely majority on the committee. But he said that Bailey will determine if it gets a vote.

The measure passed the state House earlier this month with bipartisan support.

Bailey did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.

Money lacking for Washington 'Dream Act,' state lawmaker says | OregonLive.com