Rally Held In Support Of Dream Act
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Undocumented students say thanks for the dream. Students who stand to gain from Maryland's soon-to-be-enacted in-state tuition break are holding a thank you rally at City Hall Tuesday night.
Political reporter Pat Warren has the latest on this continuing controversy.
"This will allow us to have a more highly educated workforce in our state, which is good for all of us," said Governor Martin O'Malley.
Many of the students rallying Tuesday gathered at the State House to celebrate the signing of the Dream Act.
Maryland is the 11th state to allow these and other undocumented students to pay the lower in-state tuition for higher education, providing they are Maryland high school graduates and that their parents have paid state taxes for five years.
"It's a big opportunity for me and especially my younger family members. It gives them opportunity, hope. It gives them ambition after high school," said one.
It also gives rise to opposition.
"It's pretty clear people in Maryland are concerned about this particular bill and they don't believe it's the right thing to do or the right time for Maryland and that's why they want to see this brought to petition. Let the people vote and let the people decide. They're the ones that have to pay the bill," said an opponent.
That's a disappointing prospect for some.
"It's just, like, breaking my heart," said one.
Students may feel disheartened about the petition for referendum but Casa de Maryland is already lining kids up for when the law takes effect in July.
"There's no question there are folks out there that are working to overturn this legislation. We haven't seen any numbers," said Liz Alex. "In the meantime, we are going to continue to celebrate this victory and move forward."
Regardless of continuing criticism and opposition, Casa de Maryland is moving forward in confidence that voters will do what they believe is the right thing.
Lt. Governor Anthony Brown joins other lawmakers in celebrating the passage of the bill.
