More funding for New York State's DREAM Act is on the way after the state Assembly's approval of the state budget proposal earlier this week, which was expected to be taken up on Thursday.

The plan, which majority Democrats are dubbing the "Families First" budget plan, is a $150 billion spending plan that would also include funding for the state's DREAM Act. The act would grant financial aid for college to undocumented immigrant students living in the state.

The State Assembly passed the act last week for the third year in a row, via a vote of 81-42, with most Republicans voting against it. Yet, the act still must face the challenge of passing through the State Senate, where Republicans played a large role in defeating the act the last few times it was brought before the Senate floor for approval.

Controversy has surrounded the DREAM Act's passage, with advocates and opposing Republicans alike not happy with New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo linking the act in the same bill as a proposed education investment tax credit. While DREAM Act supporters feel that linking the Act should be voted on by itself instead of being served up as a potential "poison pill" in legislation, Republicans adamantly oppose the idea of using state funding towards undocumented immigrants.

Assemblyman Dean Murray, R-East Patchogue, is among that group.

"Passing the DREAM Act puts the needs of illegal immigrants over the needs of legal residents," Murray recently said. "Hundreds of thousands of law-abiding New York students and their parents already struggle to try and afford the ever-increasing costs of college. TAP has limited funds and already is stretched far too thin for far too many people. Opening it up for illegal immigrants to receive TAP is unfair to the students and families that have played by the rules, worked hard, paid taxes, and deserve to have a shot at fulfilling their dreams of going on to college."

However, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, put his support behind the act's passage, calling the legislation a "bold and much needed bill" that would grant thousands of immigrant students statewide a change at higher education that would create job opportunities for them.

"New York City is proud to support this effort, and we will work with our partners in Albany on policies that fight income inequality and promote economic opportunities for all. Now is the time for action," de Blasio said.

State Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights), the first New York State legislator with Ecuadorean roots, also issued his praise for the bill's passage.

"It's fitting that the DREAM Act was included in the 'Families First' Budget--indeed it will help our DREAMers create sustainable homes for their own future families," said Moya. "New York's DREAMers are just like any other children in our state--minus a piece of paper. Most intend to learn, work, and raise their own families here in New York. Passing the DREAM Act is an investment in the students of today and the families of tomorrow."