Recently, both Illinois and California have passed DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act legislation. This legislation creates scholarship funds for children of immigrants who are not able to readily obtain access to the traditional financial aid available from state and federal programs to students that wish to pursue a college education. Two proposals to create a similar program in New York have been introduced in the Assembly (A.6826 by Assemblyman Linares and A.8689 by Assemblyman Moya). This hearing seeks comments on such proposals and analysis of the anticipated results if such proposals became law.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 7 minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Fifteen copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committee's interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on the proposed DREAM Acts are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail, email or fax it to: