U.S. English Chairman Commends WV Senate on Passage of OE Bill

Washington, DC—U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica today commended the West Virginia State Senate on its passage of a bill to recognize English as the official language of the state.

HB 3019, introduced by Delegate Woody Ireland, passed the Senate by a vote of 27 – 6. The Senate passage follows an overwhelming vote of support in the State House, with the bill moving through that Chamber with a 95 – 4 vote.

Delegate Ireland’s legislation would require that official government business be conducted in English, allowing for the use of foreign languages in common sense circumstances such as health and safety, judicial situations and more.

“I applaud the West Virginia Legislature for supporting this common sense bill that recognizes English as the official language of government in West Virginia,” Chairman Mujica said. “In a state where more than 14,000 residents are considered limited English proficient, declaring English the official language will add an incentive for these residents to learn the common language and will help place them on the path to greater success. A majority of states in the U.S. have already declared English their official language, recognizing that when residents are able to communicate in a common language, we all benefit. I am pleased that the West Virginia State Senate has followed suit and passed this unifying bill.”

HB 3019 now awaits review by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. If signed into law, the Mountain State will become the 32nd state to recognize English as the official language.

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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 2 million members.