State Rep. Ryu proud of DREAM Act passage

State Rep. Cindy Ryu noted in her first newsletter of the 2014 legislative session that the House of Representatives had broken its tradition of reserving the first day of its session for ceremony. Instead, it passed a bipartisan vote (71-23) of the DREAM Act, which will open state financial-aid to children of undocumented immigrants.

“This is not an inconsequential ‘feel good bill,’” Ryu said in a letter to constituents last week. “In fact, it is a great big bill. The DREAM Act will help open the doors of our universities to all students – even those who may have undocumented status because they were brought to this country when they were young by their undocumented parents or were born at home and their births not recorded.

“Rep. Ruth Kagi and I recently met with a group of students from the Latino Educational Achievement Project. These students, and many others I have met, have graduated from our high schools, received high grades and high test scores. They worked hard to earn their way into our colleges and universities. But due to their status, they do not have the same opportunities as their high school friends. And yet, the United States is the only home they know.”

Ryu and Kagi are Democrats representing the 32nd Legislative District, including Lynnwood, part of Mountlake Terrace, south Edmonds, Woodway, unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County near Edmonds and Woodway, Shoreline, and part of northwest Seattle.

“These students will tell you that they too dream of a college education and giving back to their community and country by becoming productive adults,” Ryu said. “I proudly voted for a bill that will help them achieve their goal. It will allow all students to become eligible for the State Need Grant. It is the right thing to do for these students, the right thing to do for our economy and the right thing to do for our country.

“We are a nation of immigrants. I, as an immigrant and currently the only immigrant in the Washington State Legislature, strongly support the belief that every child in Washington State, regardless of race, religion or circumstance, should have a great education and a fair shot at the American Dream.

“This legislation faces an uphill battle in the Senate even if allowed to come to the floor. I will try my best to help my colleagues in the Senate to understand and consider this most important piece of legislation.”

Below is a video of Rep. Ryu talking about SSB 5023 in 2011.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

Everett
Judge sentences man, 73, for intending to have sex with ‘teen’ in Everett

The Arizona man sent explicit images to an agent posing as a 13-year-old. Investigators found images of child sexual abuse on his phone.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

State’s draft of climate action plan open for public comment

Residents can submit public comments or climate-related stories online through Aug. 22.

The Edmonds School Board discusses budget cuts during a school board meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds school board approves 2025-26 budget

After facing an estimated $8.5 million shortfall earlier in the year, the board passed a balanced budget Tuesday.

A wall diagram shows the “journey of the ballot” at the new Elections Center on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County Auditor: No need for feds to meddle with state or local elections

Garth Fell’s comments were in response to a report of Justice Department mulling criminal charges against election officials.

Edmonds Police Chief Loi Dawkins speaks after the city council approved her appointment on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds City Council confirms new police chief

Assistant Chief Loi Dawkins will begin in the role Aug. 1. She has more than 23 years of law enforcement experience, including three years in Edmonds.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.