U.S. English Chairman Calls TX Bill to Declare English the Official Language a Unifying Step

Washington, DC—U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica today issued the following statement in reaction to the introduction of a bill in the Texas State Senate that would declare English the official language of the Lone Star State.

State Senator Bob Hall has introduced S.B. 447, a bill to make English the official language of the state and remove the requirement that state government agencies provide documents and materials in foreign languages.

“With more than 3.4 million Texans struggling with English proficiency, Senator Hall’s Official English bill is a long overdue step to help these residents assimilate with their neighbors,” Chairman Mujica said. “When a state government operates in English, it adds an incentive for the state’s non-English speakers to learn the common language more quickly. Such a move is especially needed in Texas, where 170 languages are spoken by residents. Declaring English the official language will not only allow for more streamlined government operations, but it will also open the doors of communication to the state’s limited English proficient residents, placing them on the road to success.”

The bill has been referred to the Texas House Business and Commerce Committee for further consideration. If S.B. 447 is enacted, Texas will become the 32nd state to recognize English as the official language.