House panel OKs tuition proposal

04/20/2006

A key House panel on Wednesday ignored a plea from Gov. Tim Pawlenty and approved lower tuition rates for college students living illegally in the United States.

No one on the House Ways and Means Committee attempted to strip the provision from a higher education bill, even though Pawlenty outlined his opposition in a letter Tuesday. The bill passed the panel on a 26-8 vote.

The provision would let illegal immigrants who graduate from Minnesota high schools and have lived in the state at least three years pay in-state tuition rates at public universities and colleges.

Eric Rodriguez, a Minneapolis high school senior, said the legislation would make it possible for him to go to college. He and his family are living here illegally and can’t afford out-of-state tuition, he said.

“Right now, it’s just impossible,” he said.

But Rep. Marty Seifert, a Republican from Marshall who voted against the bill, said opponents would try to kill the tuition provision when the bill reaches the House floor.

— Associated Press