U.S. English Chairman Praises Introduction of Idaho's Official English Bill

Statement by U.S.ENGLISH Chairman and CEO Mauro E. Mujica

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. ENGLISH, the nation's oldest and largest non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States, today signaled its support of a bill introduced by Sen. Sheila Sorensen (R-13), Chair, Senate State Affairs Committee, that would make English the official language of Idaho.

"We commend Sen. Sorensen for her bold and historic bill, S.1469, which would make English the official language of Idaho," said U.S. ENGLISH Chairman and CEO Mauro E. Mujica. "Twenty-six states already have some form of Official English law on the books, and like Idaho, others also are considering similar legislation. "Having English as the state's common language will save taxpayers money, encourage immigrants to learn English, and allow all Idahoans to communicate with each other," said Mujica. "That's critical in the Gem State where today 104 languages other than English are spoken and where residents can take their driver's license exam in six different languages, including Arabic, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and English.

"As far as we're concerned, Sen. Sorensen's thoughtful bill couldn't come at a better time," said Mujica. "U.S. ENGLISH has the support of some 8,300 members who reside in the Gem State, and we're confident that S.1469 will help unify all Idahoans by giving them a common language that they can use to communicate with each other. This is especially important since Idaho is experiencing a profound growth in its immigrant population."

Recognizing that fluency in English is necessary for full integration into the American culture, S.1469 would require Idaho's government to conduct official business in English. Specifically, S.1469 would make it so all "official documents, rules, orders, transactions, proceedings, programs, meetings, publications or actions taken or issued, which are conducted or regulated by, on behalf of, or representing the state and all of its political subdivisions shall be in the English language." Numerous sensible exceptions are included in the bill to protect the well-being of all Idahoans, including public health and safety information, law enforcement, tourism, and foreign language instruction, to name just a few.

"Sen. Sorensen's bill does not prevent anyone from speaking languages other than English nor does it take away a person's heritage or culture by encouraging him or her to learn the state's common language; it simply mandates the state government to conduct its business in English," said Mujica. "Only by giving people a common language can we ensure that everyone has an equal chance to go as far as their skills, talent, and dreams take them.

"As an immigrant from Chile, I know first-hand the obstacles facing non-English speakers and understand that knowing English is the key to unlocking opportunities and realizing the American Dream," said Mujica.

"In this nation of immigrants, speaking a common language: English, is a symbol of our unity much like the flag and the Declaration of Independence," said Mujica. "We urge the Idaho Legislature to swiftly pass S.1469 into law so that all Idahoans have an equal chance for success. To do less is simply un-American.

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.