Supporters of the DREAM Act rallied Sunday at the state Capitol, urging lawmakers to make a last-ditch effort to save the legislation during the current special session.

The DREAM Act would enable young people who are not citizens but have lived and attended school in Minnesota to pay resident tuition at all higher education institutions in Minnesota. Currently, many cannot afford to go to college because of high, out-of-state tuition.

The legislation, which has support of both Republican and DFL legislators, was included in the Higher Education Omnibus funding bill, but was withdrawn at the end of the regular 2005 session when Gov. Tim Pawlenty threatened a veto. Supporters hope the bill can be revived during the current special session, which was called because no agreement had been reached on a state budget.

Groups supporting the legislation have invited Pawlenty to meet with them but so far he has declined.

Photos by Randy Croce, Labor Education Service

Aztec dancers illustrated some of the diversity of Minnesota's population.

Speakers said the DREAM Act would provide hope for young people from immigrant backgrounds.

Members of AFSCME Local 3800, which represents clerical workers at the University of Minnesota, showed their support.

For more information
Visit the Workday Minnesota special section, Legislature 2005