Democratic State Sen. Marko Liias praised his fellow senators a few weeks ago for passing the Washington Dream Act.
Liias said that he was proud to vote in support of the bill.
“I came to the Senate to help break the gridlock and get things done for the people of Washington,” Liias said. “I’m glad to see the Senate put politics aside today and act on behalf of the students this will help.”
The Dream Act would allow students with Washington high school degrees who as children were brought to this country by their parents without documentation to apply on an equal basis for the State Need Grant, the state’s financial aid program for public colleges and universities. The Dream Act had passed the House of Representatives Jan. 13, the first day of the legislative session, on a strong and bipartisan 71-23 vote, with Liias then a part of the House majority before his appointment to the Senate.
The two bills must now be reconciled between the two chambers.
“Over 40 years ago, my grandparents brought our family to this country to seek a better life,” Liias said. “I’ve been blessed to follow my dreams in this country and honored to extend that opportunity to the next generation of dreamers today.”
Liias represents the 21st Legislative District, including most of Edmonds, unincorporated areas north of Edmonds and Lynnwood, all of Mukilteo and part of south Everett.
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