Brendan J. Lyons is reporting for the Times Union the state Assembly February 5, passed its version of the DREAM Act, which provides college financial aid for children of undocumented immigrants. "The Assembly majority recognizes that immigrants are a vital thread in the social and economic fabric of our state," Democratic Speaker Carl Heastie said. "It is fundamentally and economically misguided to deny students who were educated in our state's public school system the tools they need to reach their academic potential and fully contribute to our state's economy." Under the proposal, those students would be eligible for general awards, performance-based awards, or the state's Tuition Assistance Program funds if they meet certain criteria. Students who received a qualified state high school equivalency diploma, or were otherwise eligible for in-state tuition at SUNY, CUNY or community colleges would also qualify. Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a statement praising the Assembly Democrats and urging the Senate to also approve the bill. Read the full story in the Times Union.