City of Inez, Kentucky Makes English Its Official Language

Unifying measure is one of many being supported nationwide

The city commissioners of Inez, Kentucky voted unanimously on Friday to make English the official language of the city. The measure calls for the city’s official documents and business to be written or conducted in English, except where such services are legally required. Inez is the county seat of Martin County.

“I want to commend the city commissioners of Inez for calling for the use of English in government,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English, Inc. “Even at the local level, elected officials have a responsibility to recognize the necessity of a common language. It is important for government agencies at all levels to promote assimilation in the United States and endorse our unifying factors.”

The measure in Inez is part of a growing nationwide discussion regarding the unifying nature of English. Some of the most recent examples include:

• On Tuesday, the Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation making English the official language of the state with bi-partisan support.

• In his speech to the nation on Monday, President George W. Bush called English “the key to unlocking opportunity in America.”

• Last week, H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act, collected its 150th co-sponsor in the House of Representatives.

• Last Monday, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution that statements of national unity, such as the national anthem, should be recited or sung in English.

“At a time of high immigration, it is highly appropriate that we focus on the factors that unite us, rather than divide us,” explained Mujica. “From the town hall to the halls of Congress, recognition of English as our common language is a policy that moves Americans together as one. I hope more towns and cities will follow the lead of Inez and put their emphasis on English.”

U.S. English, Inc. is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S. English, Inc. (www.usenglish.org) now has more than 1.8 million members.