English is official language starting July 1

[Bubba]

Bill makes English official language
As of July 1, state and local government agencies will not be required to hold meetings in any language but English. Interpreters will still be allowed.
Associated Press

TOPEKA - Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed legislation Friday making English the state's official language.

Kansas joins at least 29 other states that have made English their official or common language. The new law takes effect July 1.

It was among 18 bills Sebelius signed. They included a measure divesting the state's retirement system from Sudan, a move supported by students from Wichita's East High School and the University of Kansas.

Last week, Sebelius expressed reservations about the English bill, saying she didn't think it was necessary and didn't go far enough to help people learn the language. At one point, the bill included $500,000 to pay for English classes, but legislators removed the provision.

"Having money for the programs is something that makes sense, and she hopes the Legislature does something next year about providing money for teaching English," said Sebelius spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran.

The new law says no state or local government agency has to provide documents or hold meetings in any language except English, but nothing prevents them from doing so, or from using interpreters at meetings....

I would bet that our local government will continue to print documents in espanol, if for no other reason than to waste our tax dollars.

source- Kansas.com | 05/12/2007 | Bill makes English official language

[MissKitty]

The state's retirement system is from Sudan?

[TexKan]

That bill won't change a thing.......... it will however keep the ACLU off yer ass which is what that bill was probably about anyhow. The option is still open to print what ya want how ya want. The locals will cave because it's more important to make sure residents understand than it is to make a point on language. I'm glad they ditched the english lessons monies tho....... all the lessons in the world won't help someone hiding in the shadows.

[Bubba]

Originally Posted by MissKitty

The state's retirement system is from Sudan?

I believe that it had some Sudanese investments that are now gone.

[TexKan]

I thought it had ivestments with folks that did business with Sudan .......... therefore based on sudan's ivolvement with Dafur............. they didn't want thier monies "tainted" That's how I read that.

[Bubba]

Six of one, half a dozen of the other. At any rate some of their investments were tied to Sudan or the Sudanese government and now they aren't.

[TexKan]

sorry Bubba - I'm not a hair splitter............... I didn't mean it like that.

[Bubba]

It's all good!