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HomeMy WebLinkAbout55D - RESOLUTION - SB1 AND FED DREAM ACTREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: OCTOBER 1, 2007 TITLE: RESOLUTION SUPPPORTING SB 1 AND THE FEDERAL DREAM ACT (S. 774) APPROVED ^ As Recommended ^ As Amended ^ Ordinance on 15~ Reading ^ Ordinance on 2"d Reading ^ Implementing Resolution ^ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER CI NAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION Consider adopting a resolution expressing support for California Senate Bill 1 (Cedillo) and the federal Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. DISCUSSION At a recent City Council meeting, members of the public expressed support for two pieces of legislation to expand college educational opportunities for immigrant students who do not have lawful immigration status. Some of the Council members have indicated an interest in considering a resolution in support of this pending legislation. The DREAM Act (S. 774) would allow immigrant students to remain in the United States as legal residents if they attend college or serve in the military. SB 1 is a bill authored by California State Senator Cedillo which would expand eligibility for California high school graduates who do not have lawful immigration status to apply for a fee waiver at California community colleges and participate in the Cal Grant financial aid program. The DREAM Act died in the U.S. Senate on September 27, 2007; SB 1 is currently awaiting the Governor's signature. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. 55D-1 (JWF 9/28/07) RESOLUTION NO. 2007-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ENDORSING THE CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT (SENATE B{LL 1) AND THE FEDERAL DREAM ACT (S. 774). Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines and declares as follows: A. California law currently allows any student that attends for three or more years and graduates from a California high school the ability to pay-in-state tuition. B. Undocumented students that graduate from California schools are have difficulty accessing higher education due to the lack of financial aid. C. The City of Santa Ana is home to a large number of students that qualify for in-state tuition, but do not qualify for financial aid. D. SB-1 (the "California Dream Act") allows the California State University, the Regents of the University of California, and Community Colleges the ability to offer financial aid, excluding competitive Cal-Grant A or B. E. The California Dream Act makes financial aid available to students in our community that need greater access to higher education. F. The California Dream Act has been approved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California. G. Senate Resolution 774, (the "Federal Dream Act") would allow immigrant students to remain in the United States as legal residents if they attend college or serve in the military. H. The Federal Dream Act would also eliminate a federal provision that discourages states from providing in-state tuition to their undocumented immigrant student residents, thus restoring full authority to the states to determine state college and university fees. Section 2. Be it resolved that the City of Santa Ana hereby urges Governor of Schwarzenegger to sign SB 1 into law. Resolution No. 2007-XXX 55D-2 Page 1 of 2 Section 3. Be it resolved that the City of Santa Ana encourages the US Congress and the President to pass and enact legislation that would implement the Federal Dream Act. Section 8. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this day of 2007. Miguel A. Pulido Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: By: Joseph W. Fletcher, City Attorney AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: NOT PRESENT Councilmembers Councilmembers CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, PATRICIA E. HEALY, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2007-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on Date: Resolution No. 2007-XXX Page 2 of 2 Clerk of the Council City of Santa Ana 55D-3