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U.S. English Chairman Commends Georgia Constitutional Amendment Making English the Official Language

U.S. English Chairman Commends Georgia Constitutional Amendment Making English the Official Language

February 26, 2014

Washington, DC—U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica today released the following statement in support of Georgia Senate Resolution 1031, to amend the Georgia Constitution to declare English the official language of the state.

Introduced by Senator Don Balfour, S.R. 1031 would also limit driver’s license examinations to English, removing the current option of taking the test in eleven foreign languages. The legislation includes common sense exceptions allowing the state government to use foreign languages in certain circumstances, such as to protect the public health and safety, to promote trade and commerce and more.

“I commend Senator Balfour for his leadership on this Constitutional Amendment,” Chairman Mujica said. “While Georgia passed laws declaring English the state’s official language in 1986 and 1996, this Constitutional Amendment will give state officials more leverage to enforce these Official English provisions. More than half a million Georgia residents, representing nearly six percent of the state’s population, are limited English proficient. Enforcing English as the official language of state government will add an incentive for these residents to learn the common language of Georgia, the United States and the world. To ensure the best opportunity for Georgia’s residents and economy, I urge the Georgia General Assembly to swiftly approve Senate Resolution 1031.”

Senate Resolution 1031 has been referred to the Rules Committee for further consideration. Upon passage there, the bill will need two-thirds of votes in the State Senate and the State House in order to proceed as a ballot initiative for Georgia voters to approve.

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