Support for Official English Legislation Remains Strong in Maryland

Statewide survey finds 75 percent of likely voters favor common language policy

75 percent of likely voters in Maryland favor making English the official language of the state, according to a poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, Inc., including 62 percent who strongly support such an effort. The survey found that the overwhelming majority of Maryland residents want the state to conduct business in English, including strong majorities within each political party and each section of the state. The survey of 625 likely voters was conducted Sept. 23-27, 2006 and has a margin of error of plus or minus four percent.

“As a Maryland resident myself, I am not surprised by the strong support for official English within the Old Line State,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of U.S. English, Inc. “Americans from all walks of life understand that assimilation works best when the government is leading newcomers in the direction of self-sufficiency and success. Making English the official language is a key part of that pro-immigrant, pro-America policy.”

The legislature has voted to make English the official language of Maryland twice since 1994, only to have the measure vetoed by the governor. In 2005 and 2006, legislation was introduced by Del. Pat McDonough and hearings were held in the Health and Government Operations Committee. However, the bill did not advance to the House floor in either year.

Making English the official language of a state calls upon the government to conduct business in English and limit governmental multilingualism to common-sense exceptions such as health care, public safety, judicial proceedings and tourism. To date, 27 states have English as their official language, and H.R. 997, Congressional legislation promoting this policy at the federal level, has become one of the most widely supported bills in the 109th Congress.

“The results of this poll demonstrate that Marylanders want their government to promote English by doing business in English,” continued Mujica. “Voters are getting tired of being told that their elected officials know best. They want leaders who will represent their opinions in Annapolis. I urge state residents to find candidates who will support our common language and make sure this legislation is enacted in 2007.”

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.