Document Actions
English As Official Language Bill Good For Kansas
TOPEKA - The chairman of the Kansas House Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security spoke out on House Bill 2140 to make English the state’s official language.
Rep. Don Myers (R-Derby), the bill's sponsor, said HB 2140 would boost Kansas economy and encourage immigrants to learn English.
“A skilled workforce that is able to communicate in one, common language is a valuable asset to any employer,” Chairman Myers said. “We cannot expect to remain competitive in today’s global marketplace unless our citizens are able to communicate in the language of global commerce, English.”
The representative went on to say “I also believe that every Kansan has a responsibility to learn English. Providing official government documents in foreign-languages does not promote English learning. It promotes the division of our state by language and hurts immigrants who need to learn English to get ahead.”
Myers said the bill would not prevent private citizens from communications in a foreign language or require public schools to stop teaching languages other than English.
“I think we should encourage people to learn foreign-languages. My bill would provide new incentives for immigrants in our state to learn English and get ahead,” Myers stated.
Rep.Myers said he will press forward for a committee vote on HB 2140 next week.
-30-