May 12, 2011
HOUSE PASSES REP. CANDELARIA’S IN-STATE TUITION BILL
Hartford – State Representative Juan Candelaria (D-New Haven) hailed House passage of legislation he sponsored that would allow undocumented Connecticut students to pay in-state tuition rates to pursue their academic dreams.
House Bill 6390 brings undocumented students a step closer to bringing their long fought battle for equal education opportunity to an end. Similar legislation was introduced in the General Assembly and failed in 2005. It was reintroduced in 2007 where it passed both chambers, but then Governor M Jodi Rell vetoed the bill.
Under the bill, a student must be a state resident, complete four years of high school at any educational institution in the state and provide an affidavit stating that an application has been filed to become a legal permanent resident in the state in order to qualify for in-state tuition. Undocumented students do not qualify for financial aid under this legislation.
“I am extremely pleased to see us moving forward with this legislation,” said Candelaria, who led the debate on the House Floor. “As I have stated before, this measure makes a lot of sense because nobody who wants to study should be denied that opportunity, regardless of their immigration status. Today, I celebrate with the students who have been penalized by no fault on their own. We are a step closer to finally making this happen.”
The legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Governor Dannel P. Malloy has expressed his commitment to sign the measure into law if it reaches his desk.
“This issue was first brought forward by former State Representative Felipe Reinoso of Bridgeport,” Candelaria added. “Today, I’d like to recognize his efforts and thank him for all his hard work. I would also like to thank my legislative colleagues for their support and understanding.”
Juan Candelaria represents the 95th Assembly District in New Haven. He is Deputy Majority Whip and Vice Chair of the Higher Education Committee. In addition he is a member of the Appropriations and Children’s Committees.