Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) expressed concern today over Assembly Bill 2597, the so-called DREAM Act, saying the measure would allow illegal aliens to be granted taxpayer dollars to attend college. The bill is expected to be voted on in the Assembly this month.

“Albany should not be doling out entitlement programs to lawbreakers, including those willfully violating federal laws,” DiPietro said. “The DREAM Act is just another nightmare for New York State taxpayers.”

“Legal students here cannot afford the rising costs of higher education, but New York taxpayers should pay in-state tuition to send illegal aliens to college? It’s preposterous,” DiPietro said.

“New York State taxpayers already are struggling to fund extensive social programs for legal and natural citizens and cannot afford to extend incentives to those with no respect for our nation’s laws,” DiPietro said. “This government cannot afford to hand out money endlessly to any and all customers. There must be some restraint.”

“I pledged to the taxpayers of Western New York that I would keep their money out of the hands of illegal aliens, and I will do everything possible to prevent the DREAM Act from becoming law,” DiPietro said.

For more information regarding the assemblyman’s opinion on the DREAM Act, please contact his district office at (585) 786-0180. He can also be reached via e-mail at dipietrod@assembly.state.ny.us.