Dear Friends,
We are writing to alert you to an important issue before the state assembly. We encourage you to support instate tuition to undocumented students. Many of these students, though not born in this country, grew up here and know no other home. Instate tuition would make it possible for these students to prepare for and launch their careers.
Additionally, we are encouraging our assembly members to extend financial aid to these students. Financial aid helps place a college education within reach, especially for low- and middle- income families. The Senate version of the bill, S2479, was approved Monday, November 18th, and DID include the financial aid provision. Governor Christie has indicated he will sign the legislation if passed. An Assembly bill A4225 is similar, but does not include access to financial aid. Our hope is that the financial aid component will be added before the Assembly acts.
We need congregations to encourage people to make phone calls, write letters, and send letters to their state legislators. As we learn more, we may also be in touch about asking you to consider arranging a constituent meetings.
We have a few helpful tools for you. The first is an action_request for distribution to your congregations. The second is a position statement from the Immigration Task Force about this issue. Then you will find a sample email, a guide to leaving a voicemail, and letter_writing_materials
Please let us know if members of your congregation are able to get involved, and what we can do to continue to support your efforts!
Thank you so much for your help!
Craig and James
James deBoer, Organizer
Rev. Craig Hirshberg, Exec. Director