Washington Dream Act Passes With Local Support

Naches Lawmaker Republican Representative Charles Ross is happy the house passed the Washington Dream Act Monday.

The bill would make young illegal immigrants eligible for state college financial aid. Ross says many of those students are high achievers who deserve a chance since they had no control over being brought into the country as young children.

“The best way to become the best citizen you can is through education and opportunity and improving your own life. That’s why I’ve supported the bill. I think it’s only fair.”

Ross understands there are those who disagree with him but he does not believe the bill will hurt current residents applying for the same state aid. He says the measure gives a better future to immigrants who came here without a choice.

The bill passed in the house 71-23. Other lawmakers from Eastern Washington that supported the bill were Bruce Chandler and Judy Warnick.

The bill now goes to the senate for consideration.