Gov. Christie Signs Tuition Equality Bill into Law!

Malign0n · Malign0n

Quote:

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Students at New Jersey public colleges who are in the United States illegally will get an immediate tuition break after Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill Friday allowing them to pay in-state tuition rates.

The bill, which had become a political complication for the Republican governor and possible presidential candidate in 2016, was the result of a deal reached Thursday.

As part of the pact, lawmakers agreed to drop a provision that would have also made the students eligible for state financial aid if they qualified under income guidelines. Christie had resisted going that far, saying it would be costly for the state and also make New Jersey a magnet for students in the country illegally but living in other states.

The Democrat-controlled Legislature acquiesced to Christie's position and passed a new version of the bill Thursday.

By agreeing when they did, lawmakers gave up something they wanted but managed to get the new tuition rates put in effect for the semester that begins next month at most state colleges and universities.

Until now, foreign-born students who are not citizens have paid the more expensive out-of-state tuition rate.

The difference is significant. At Rutgers, the state's flagship public university, the in-state tuition is $10,700 annually — $14,000 less than the out-of-state cost. Full-time students also pay nearly $3,000 in fees, and room and board are extra.

At least a dozen states have similar laws, including Texas and California, the two states with larger foreign-born populations than New Jersey.

Christie came out in support of the bill, often called the Dream Act, during his re-election campaign after previously objecting because of its cost, but not the principle of equality for students.The governor won re-election by 22 points and got the support of half the state's Hispanic voters.

But after the election, he objected to the specific version of the bill that was working its way through the Legislature. He said he would not sign a bill with the financial aid provision.

Some critics accused him of changing positions for the sake of his re-election and then switching back.

Source: Huffington Post/AP

Congratulations New Jersey Dreamers!

zone2oo0 · zone2oo0

Oh wow a political strategy. IF this guy becomes president he'll have to deal with his own constituents (tea party). it'll be the GOP against each other and nothing will get done once again. These guys are afraid of losing their jobs, because if they do what will they do? It is their bread and butter and they will suck d to keep their job. Also hes probably going to go against Hillary, the first woman who can actually become president, and she's a Clinton, who wouldn't vote for another clinton, Surplus years were awesome. But congratulations Dreamers.

Severity · Severity

sometimes you have to forget politics and enjoy victories

DreamBig09 · DreamBig09

I live in NJ. I dont know how much I would be paying if I attend a University lol

ggalicia · ggalicia

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamBig09

I live in NJ. I dont know how much I would be paying if I attend a University lol

I'm sure you will pay in-state tuition prices, that's what we pay in California, but for many years I would pay $48 per unit but just at the beginning of this year we qualify for the BOG Waver that paid the $48 per unit so instead of paying $880 per semester now I pay $48 for full time at community college

DreamBig09 · DreamBig09

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!? Are u serious?! that is not bad lmao ! SHOOT ! I wish we have that here.

ggalicia · ggalicia

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamBig09

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!? Are u serious?! that is not bad lmao ! SHOOT ! I wish we have that here.

To pay that the person needed to qualify for State Law AB540 many people can't because you need to be a resident of California had also gone to high school in California for at least 3 years and have prove, plus graduated or got a GED

pavpatel · pavpatel

Does anyone have any idea on how to sign up for this thing or how long til it goes into effect? I go to Rutgers and my tuition is due in like two weeks and this is a matter of thousands of dollars if I can get it applied for this next semester. Or maybe you know what the bills name is so I can find out more about it.

Swim19 · Swim19

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavpatel

Does anyone have any idea on how to sign up for this thing or how long til it goes into effect? I go to Rutgers and my tuition is due in like two weeks and this is a matter of thousands of dollars if I can get it applied for this next semester. Or maybe you know what the bills name is so I can find out more about it.

I don't personally know, but according to the article it should be in affect for next semester.:

Quote:

By agreeing when they did, lawmakers gave up something they wanted but managed to get the new tuition rates put in effect for the semester that begins next month at most state colleges and universities

Here's a link at Rutgers website for instate tuition. There's no info on their yet about undocumented or daca-mented students. I assume though that you will have to fill out a similar petition form.

pavpatel · pavpatel

There's no way it'll be in effect for next semester for me. My term bill is due Jan 3rd and the offices are going to be closed for the holidays from Dec 24-Jan 2. There's no time to even figure this out.

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31

They need you!

Forum links

Resources

Join our list

National calendar of events

July

Gov. Christie Signs Tuition Equality Bill into Law!