U.S.ENGLISH Praises Gov. McGreevey's Decision to Restore Funds To English Language Education Programs

Learning English is Essential to New Jersey’s Immigrant Population

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. ENGLISH, the nation’s oldest and largest citizens’ activist group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language, today commended New Jersey Governor James McGreevey’s decision to restore $1.6 million in funding for programs that serve the state’s Hispanic community. The money will help to teach English to new immigrants.

The programs were originally slated to be cut as part of New Jersey’s $23.7 billion dollar budget for the 2003-04 fiscal year. The planned decrease in funding came despite the fact that 18 percent of New Jersey’s population is foreign born and 11 percent are limited English proficient (LEP). New Jersey ranks eighth in the nation in the percentage of the population that is LEP.

“We commend Gov. McGreevey for restoring funds for much needed English language education programs,” said Mauro Mujica, Chairman of U.S. ENGLISH. “As an immigrant from Chile, I know that learning English is the ticket to success in America. Without a solid grasp of the English language, immigrants are going to be stuck in low wage jobs and are going to be isolated from the American mainstream.”

U.S. ENGLISH urges Gov. McGreevey to take the next logical step and help pass official English legislation for his state. “There are 140 languages spoken in New Jersey and the state currently gives drivers license exams in 16 languages,” said Mujica. “With so much diversity, New Jersey needs something that can unite its population. Combining official English legislation with more opportunities for immigrants to learn English is the best way Gov. McGreevey can help all of New Jersey’s citizens.”

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.