Celebrating 38 Years:
1980-2018
THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS NEW JERSEY BILL NUMBER S-699, WHICH WILL PROVIDE STUDENTS ACCESS TO STATE FINANCIAL AID REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2018
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) supports New Jersey Bill Number S-699, as it will provide students access to state financial aid regardless of immigration status. Under this bill, students who meet a number of stringent requirements are eligible to apply for, and participate in, state financial aid programs. For many students, denial of access to financial aid precludes them from pursuing higher education and reaping the resulting economic benefits.
If this bill becomes law, it will create resources for all students in New Jersey, including those who are undocumented, to achieve equal access to higher education opportunities. Higher education results in additional economic opportunities and more individuals accessing positions that are vital to our society. “Bill Number S-699 provides New Jersey with the opportunity to achieve true tuition equality, and make higher education a priority for all deserving students,” said HBA-NJ President Hector D. Ruiz.
On March 13, 2018, the New Jersey Senate Budget Committee considered Bill Number S-699. Members of HBA-NJ were present at this hearing where testimony was taken from stakeholders and state-wide organizations supporting the bill. The New Jersey Budget Committee voted in favor of the bill, allowing it to proceed to a full-Senate vote. “The HBA-NJ applauds the majority of the Senate Budget Committee Members who voted in favor of this Bill Number S-699 allowing all New Jersey students fair and equal access to higher education,” said Ruiz.
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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.
The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.
Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101
press inquiries, please contact: Rachel A. Gonzalez, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at rgonzalez@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8201.
For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Hector D. Ruiz, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at hruiz@thewalshfirm.com or (973) 757-1100.
