U.S.ENGLISH Chairman Praises Introduction Of Iowa's Official English Bill

WASHINGTON DC - U.S.ENGLISH Chairman/CEO Mauro E. Mujica voiced his support today for an official English bill that was introduced by Iowa State Senator Steve King February 12, 2001. U.S.ENGLISH, a national non-profit dedicated to making English the official language nationally, has over 15,000 members in Iowa.

"I am pleased that Senator King has introduced this bill to make English the official language of Iowa. According to a recent poll commissioned by the Des Moines Register, 81 percent of Iowans support official English legislation. I am hopeful Senator King's bill will get strong support in the Senate, just as there is strong support around the state," said Mujica.

Senator King's bill requires Iowa's government to conduct official business in English. Common sense exceptions are included in the bill, including provisions for health and safety information, and law enforcement.

"As an immigrant whose native language is Spanish, I embrace my culture and native tongue," said Mujica. "Senator King's bill does not prevent anyone from speaking languages other than English, it simply requires the state government to conduct their business in English. Only by giving people a common language can we ensure that everyone has an equal chance to achieve their dreams in American society. In a state such as Iowa where 110 languages are spoken, and in a country where 329 languages are spoken, one common language makes common sense."

Because of the state's commitment to encourage a 10 percent population growth and its increasing immigrant population, this bill is imperative to ensure smooth integration in Iowa's communities. Studies of the Census data show that an immigrant's income rises about 30 percent as a result of learning English. In addition, a study published by the U.S. Department of Labor found that immigrants are slower to learn English when they receive significant native language support.

Said Mujica, "A similar bill passed the Senate last year, but failed to acquire a vote in the House. With a majority of Iowans supporting this type of legislation, we hope the Senate, House, Republicans and Democrats will work together to vent any concerns, and pass a good bill which will unify Iowa by making English Iowa's official language."

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.