House in-state tuition debate delayed a day
The House of Delegates has delayed debate on whether undocumented Maryland high school students should be able to pay in-state college tuition rates. They are now scheduled to take up the plan tomorrow morning.
The House Ways and Means Committee voted the bill out on a straight party-line vote yesterday, breathing life into it after it had lain dormant for weeks. The Senate passed a similar measure several weeks ago.
Movement out of the House committee bodes well for its final passage.
"We're optimistic that we have the votes," said Del. Justin Ross, chief deputy majority whip and a member of Ways and Means. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have voted it out of committee."
In a likely preview of the floor debate, lawmakers dabbed at tears and shared family stories Tuesday before the committee vote.
Del. Andrew A. Serafini talked about his grandfather, an Italian immigrant coal miner who struggled with alcoholism. The Washington County Republican said his father had to work hard to put himself through school.
"This is the land of opportunity, not the land of entitlement," Serafini said before voting against the bill.
Del. Eric G. Luedtke, a middle school teacher, recounted a story of seeing three honor students in tears one day because the mother of one of them had been detained by immigration authorities.
"They didn't understand what was happening," the Montgomery County Democrat said.
Explaining why he would vote for the bill, he said, "We are talking about children. They didn't make the decision to cross the border."
Categories: 2011 legislative session, Immigration
Comments
Del. Eric G. Luedtke if you are such a bleeding heart why dont you pay for them?
The more breaks you give illegals the more will coming here straining our social services even more.
Posted by: john | April 6, 2011 12:22 PM
That money should be available to LEGAL US CITIZENS AND MARYLAND TAX PAYERS. This is just O'Malley pandering for the Latino vote (as he has done for years) and encourages individuals to break US Immigration LAW. An illegal is an illegal, regardless of how long they have been in the US Illegally. Illegals need deported immediately.
Posted by: JoeB | April 6, 2011 12:25 PM
Once the "children" are citizens they will have in- State tuition. The State charges MORE for non-resident fishing licenses. STOP THE FINANCIAL SUICIDE.
Posted by: DetectiveDick | April 6, 2011 12:26 PM
The ONLY reason this would be delayed is that the elected THIEVES do not have the votes to pass this POS illegal bill.
CALL YOUR legislators TODAY.
http://mlis.state.md.us/mgaweb/mail32.aspx
Posted by: NO REWARDS FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS | April 6, 2011 12:37 PM
When I attended the University of Maryland, I paid out of state tuition because I came from out of state. I was in this country legally as I was born here and was and am a citizen.
I do not see why illegal immigrants should have in-state tuition when they are not here legally. Tell me how this benefits those students who are citizens and they cannot attend college because they cannot afford it?
I believe the Maryland General Assembly should re-examine its priorities here and help the citizens of the state, not illegals.
Posted by: KayakLawyer | April 6, 2011 12:56 PM
Well, I think "No Human being is illegal." I think immigrants should have the same opportunity as a citizen does, because I think to have American blood, doesn't mean you're American, to be American means to take this country forward, to work hard for this country...as the immigrants does. Because of them this country is one of the most important country of the world. So, I think the state of MD should approve it (Dream act).
Posted by: Abraham | April 6, 2011 2:51 PM
Can anyone else believe our legislators are taking the time to even consider this absurdity? Another example of career politicians working to get re-elected vs doing the right thing.
Posted by: Lopezz | April 6, 2011 3:38 PM
End illegal immigration in Maryland. Join www.HelpSaveMaryland.com
Posted by: Help Save Maryland | April 6, 2011 4:12 PM
O'Malley and Ramirez are shameless, pandering dirtbags that will destroy the prosperity of Maryland for present citizens and future generations. Maybe someone should use shorter sentences and explain to these scumbags that their salaries are paid by Legal citizens, and maybe they should pay attention to our needs. I am sure the Maryland I knew will become a 3rd world rathole, deep in debt to pay social services for ever overbreeding cockroach that crawls there.
Posted by: Artin Torossian | April 6, 2011 4:46 PM
The Maryland I grew up in will become a 3rd world rathole, deep in debt from every social program around due to the likes of O'Malley and Ramirez. Thanks for destroying Maryland's prosperity dirtbags.
Posted by: Artin Torossian | April 6, 2011 4:49 PM
O'malley, you are an incompetent office holder. No one thinks this tuition free bit is correct. A student from VA has to pay regular price but illegals dont. What a terrible place we have come to.
Posted by: JoanPrior | April 6, 2011 4:53 PM
Just approved it, give them opportunities..
Posted by: American | April 6, 2011 4:57 PM
"Just approved it, give them opportunities..Posted by: American "
Give them opportunities that LEGAL CITIZENS of Virginia or Tennessee are NOT ENTITLED to, great idea fool!
Posted by: Fools on the left | April 7, 2011 9:59 AM
KayakLawyer blow it out your
ass. illegals. are illegals and should not be given special
help over a US CITIZEN. PERIOD
Posted by: Anonymous | April 8, 2011 10:46 AM