English Could Become Kansas' Official Language
English Could Become Kansas' Official Language Save Email Print
Reporter: AP

A | A | A

English would be the state's official language under legislation sent to Governor Sebelius by the House.

Yesterday's vote was 106-to-19.

The House had passed the measure earlier this year, but the Senate removed half a million dollars that the House had earmarked for adult English classes before approving it.

The House went along with that change and put the money in a budget bill awaiting action.

Under the bill, no state or local government agency has to provide documents or hold meetings in any language except English.

But nothing prevents them from offering documents in another language or using interpreters at meetings.

Some criticize such legislation as anti-immigrant, while backers say they're responding to constituent demands to do something about illegal immigration.

More Stories
Kansas Survey Finds Residents Rate Traffic Flow OK

Explosive Devices Found In KCK House With Body

Tennessee Police Rule McNair's Death A Homicide

Analysis: New Kansas Gov. More Conciliatory To GOP

Spirit Of Kansas Recap

Palin Takes To Web For Hints On Future

Tenn. Police Rule McNair's Death a Homicide

Obama Seeks New U.S.-Russian Relationship

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Speek'n Englash in KKKansas Location: Larn'n ta speek Englash in KKKansas on Apr 29, 2007 at 12:13 PM
I see Kansas Legislators are attempting to make English the Official language. I've read some of the writings of some Kansas Legislators and heard some of them speak. Isn't this legislation analogous to shooting oneself in the foot? The ignorant, bigoted KKKansas Legislative HILLBILLIES strike again! Hurry, "Hee Haw" is coming on!

Posted by: William Location: Lakeland, FL on Apr 29, 2007 at 06:53 AM
Because of the complex nature of our society there must be a common language to communicate ideas. Freedom is not a location but an idea. It must be effectively communicated in order that those who succeed us know why it must be continually defended from tyrants and anarchists. Look ot our history and those who tried to lord it over some segments or the populace. Slavery, the Lincoln county wars and certain small town law enforcement come to mind. There is also the enormous expense of printing gov't forms in every language found in the population, even when no reliable translation of the idea is available in that language. As Ben Franklin said: "We must hang together or we will assuredly all hang separately." WLJ

Posted by: Roy Location: Topeka on Apr 28, 2007 at 06:05 PM
It's about time. What next? Spanish on the gas pumps?

Posted by: snicker Location: KKKansas on Apr 28, 2007 at 11:55 AM
This could be a real problem for the HILLBILLY Legislature and for a lot of KKKansans that are intellectually ill-equipped to string two cohesive thoughts together. It's not going to help with the functioning illiterates at WIBW, especially those that love CENSORSHIP.

WIBW Live - click live or standby for schedule
Newsroom
Photog: Doug Brown
Photog: Eric Ives
Photog: Rick Felsburg
Photog: Jovarie Downing
Photog: Blake Kresge
Reporter: Ryan Smith
13 Sports Team
Skywatch 13 Weather
CBS News livefeed