Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on February 3, 2006, to establish English as the official state language. This would apply to governmental communications, but not the private sector. It would establish that state agencies and local governments are not required to provide documents, public written materials, or website content in any language other than English, but does not prohibit them from doing so

The vote was 73 in favor, 32 opposed and 2 not voting

(House Roll Call 469 at House Journal 47)

Click here to view bill details.

It seems a unbelievable that legislation has to be introduced regarding this manner...we live in America...when in America speak our language...English. What's so difficult to understand? My grandparents and parents learned the lauguage of English and were very proud to be an english speaking American.

We had better wake up soon or we might as well be living in the Balkans. No society has ever survived what we are trying to do in the name of tolerance. Come here, work hard, learn the language and prosper. Simple

This legislation is RIDICULOUS!!! What does it matter what language a person speaks, as long as they are communicating meaningfully. So what if Spanish eventually overtakes English. Its a lot easier to learn anyway. People talk as if English is the beginning and ending of all things. I've got news for you people. It hasn't always been here. Just as it's parent languages have gone the way of the dinosaur, so it will eventaully be with English. It has already evolved over the last 600 years to the point that it is extremely difficult to read anything from that era. Don't believe me? Try reading Chaucer. Next read something that old written in Spanish--it is virtually unchanged.

you're an idiot

Several measures can be used to define a nation. One of the most basic -- at least for any nation that desires to be successful as a nation -- is a common language. Certainly it's important just from a legal standpoint. In how many languages are you willing to publish voting registrations, driver's license applications and a myriad of legal notices? Will it become a defense to negligent homicide if a "stop" sign is only published in English? If a significant population of non-English speaking individuals self-segregate within an area, can they then demand that legal matters be transacted in their preferred language? Language, borders, culture. If Knee-Jerk's post is representative, we've already lost.

If this is the top issue of the day, somebody's got way too much free time on his hands. What will this bill actually accomplish? Nothing. People will still speak or write in whatever language they please. This is simply an attempt to create a wedge issue and thereby distract voters from realizing how little their legislators are really doing to respond to the economic problems facing the state.

to America, Now speak the language. Simple? Apparently not for the libs. If you move to Germany would you expect them to learn english? Of course not. Only an idiot would expect that.

People can still write or speak any language they please. This bill affirms that, as a legal, matter, public writings, hearings and various government service matters, as well as publications that are required by law will only be required to be published or conducted in English. In addition to the obvious benefits, bills like this one at least implicitly affirm that it is the duty of a new citizen or resident alien to adapt to and learn the common language used in this country, not the other way around.

You seem to suggest that those for whom English is a second language are all "new citizens." Reality check: many have been citizens for most/all of their lives and still speak/write little if any English. Diversity---in language, ethnicity, skills, talents, etc---is what makes our country great. It should be celebrated, not denigrated.

I have no plans to move to Germany. Nor do I plan to learn to speak the German language. However, I am increasingly dismayed at the number of people who believe you are welcome to live in this country and take advantage of all of the benefits of doing so--as long as you "look like me," "think like me," "speak like me," "worship like me," and "have the same political philosophies as I do." Yep, that's real freedom.

did i say ""look like me," "think like me," "worship like me," and "have the same political philosophies as I do." If you live here you speak english. End of story. We can do it right or we can end up like the balkans. You sound like one of those libs that would love to see the US as just another third world cesspool. Sorry. The good folks aren't going to let that happen. Deal with it.

“Diversity---in language, ethnicity, skills, talents, etc---is what makes our country great. It should be celebrated, not denigrated.” You are so wrong . It devides our country and weakens it.The lack of comunication in emergencies.doesnt help police fire and rescue workers. Traffic signs are writen in english.To be a us citizen you have to speak english.There are many more reasons. The only reason that’s important is IN AMERICA WE SPEAK ENGLISH.

Finally a bill that is needed. Driver test in engish every thing in english no more press one This is America. Not mexica This is a great bill save money in forms.I luv it.

By stating a general principle that this law and ones like it affirm that it is the responsibility of a new citizen or resident alien to become an American doesn't imply anything about their length of residency. So take what you consider a "reality check" and go jump in the lake. It has about zip to do with anything. A nation is defined by borders, language and culture. In ours, as Americans, we absorb and strive to respect people from across the globe. One cannot move to France and become French. One does not become Spanish by relocating to Spain. But anyone can come to this country and become an American. Unfortunately, this idea -- that America is a "great melting pot," a place where the best of everyone can be melded into the strongest culure of all -- has been, to some degree, lost. And your post, advocating cultural fragmentation in the name of diversity is representative of this. Separate but equal? Apartheid? That's no way to go through life, son.

one cannot move to france and be french... one has to learn, and speak almost exclusively... french.

(Sigh). Once upon a time, people learned to use proper grammar and spell words correctly. Today, it's apparently more important to "luv english."

It's about time Michigan woke up! Now if only we can wake up the rest of America. I was born in Mexico, came to the U.S. with my parents as a seven-year-old (legally, we waited our turn in line), started school unable to speak a word of English but desperately wanted to learn it to fit in and to be able to communicate. Believe me when I tell you, it is very important to have an official common language. I have seen first-hand what the use of a foreign language in this country is doing to the fabric of our society. Most of the foreigners I know have no intention or desire to learn English unless they absolutely have to. And why should they...they are catered to by the business sector in the interest of the allmighty dollar. The federal and state governments cater to them out of political correctness and in hopes of mining their ranks for votes, to say nothing of the elected officials fear of losing their seats in the legislatures. I hate to sound like gloom and doom, but unless America wakes up, the Rio Grande will not be the dividing line for long. So I hope and pray that this bill makes it through the Legislature.

Rep. Tobocman, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: I voted against this bill because of the Garfield amendment offered on the floor of the House that stripped language clarifying that a State agency may, at its own discretion, publish materials in a language other than English. By stripping this language, the majority at least implies that it does not want to clarify that certain government materials may be printed in a foreign language. More likely, however, the only reason to strip the clarifying language is to prohibit printing of important government documents in foreign languages. This is a woeful and disastrous public policy decision. Unless the majority desired prohibiting the printing of government documents in a foreign language, why would they strip language clarifying State agencies' ability to do so? If, indeed, the sponsor's desire was to unite the State of Michigan around English as our official language, ostensibly to pay honor to that language, why wouldn't the sponsor want to work in a bipartisan fashion to craft a bill with nearly unanimous, if not unanimous, support? The answer is politics. Designating English as the official language is populist politics and the elimination of clarifying language enhances the chance that the bill would receive opposition. Who cares if it prohibits printing essential emergency services information, pandemic information or other critical information in a foreign language? Who cares if the lives of non-English speaking residents are threatened? This is crass politics and it is undignified of this Chamber. Additionally, Michigan works as a state when it honors all of its citizens and is welcoming to all people of the world. If the goal is to integrate immigrants and to increase people's use of English, then the real solution is to fund English as a Second Language classes and to fund adult education programs. To the extent that this bill threatens the printing of essential government information in foreign languages, it needs to be opposed. Stripping language clarifying the bill's limits has no legitimate purposes. I look forward to the day when our Chamber can approach issues of immigration with the judiciousness, fairness and intelligence with which Michigan's citizens have entrusted us."

Rep. Zelenko, having reserved the right to explain her protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: I was supportive of this legislation until the amendment to strike page 1; line 7 and balance of subsection (3)* was adopted. Therefore, I voted no on HB 5633. If the below referenced subsection is replaced in the Senate, then I may reconsider my position on the concurrence vote. *(3) This act does not prohibit a state agency or a local unit of government from providing documents, publishing written materials, or providing website content in any language."

Rep. Gonzales, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: English is already the "official language" of America (and this state) so HB 5633 is totally unnecessary. As Americans& patriots, we do not need to build walls of confrontation--we should be building bridges of support. The 'English Only' movement in this country has always served as a vehicle to discriminate against those viewed as not part of the mainstream. My parents believed in 'English Plus' and that is to speak English AND treat all people with respect--that includes respecting different languages. We all value the need to speak English in this country, but we should not trivialize and mistreat those who may be learning English and may need a helping hand with ESL and other language aids."

Rep. Cushingberry, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: There is no need to have an official language. This bill is more of the divisive tactics designed to cause people discomfort. Will we be required to be literate next? While individuals who are in the work place are accustomed to communication issues what does this serve? No one who's English is not as good as the official language talkers will feel any more compelled to improve by this legislation. Besides English is not the native language anyway. What about the languages already spoken by the time Europeans arrived here? Should Cadillac have been required to learn Potawomani, Huron, Odawa? Was Father Marquette told he had to forgo French and English and speak Ojibwe? What else is behind this bill except to disenfranchise individuals who speak other languages by eliminating the dual printing in official publications especially the ballot. More of the majority's 'Pappa' strategy it seems to me and in good conscience I must vote no. When will we get it together and work to make people feel welcome and comfortable and celebrate the diverse voices in our society which makes this grand American experiment of the tasty salad bowl it has become? We should remember this Euro-centric attitude is part of the ugly American who is not very well liked in the world today. There are so many other matters crying for our attention that this is again a display of the denigration of this body over the past decade and the incredible wasting of time. When will we get to providing health care like Rhode Island; the education of adults like the EEC;improvement of race relations; energy independence like Brazil; encouraging the populace to buy Michigan made vehicles; reform and humane correction policies; greater support for the poor and less fortunate; just to name a few issues crying out for our attention! I don't hear a loud chorus for this type of act and it is unnecessary- another solution looking for a problem."

Rep. Bieda, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: I voted 'no' on House Bill 5633 because the bill, as reported out of committee, is a poorly crafted piece of legislation, and really is nothing more than a knee-jerk, xenophobic reaction to some of the turmoil this nation is facing with the problem with illegal immigration, an issue that is currently a poorly addressed responsibility of the national government. Michigan has been a state for almost 170 years. We have done quite well without having to statutorily legislate an official language. For all practical and real purposes, English already holds that designation. English is widely and universally spoken and taught throughout the state. English is used on official documents, public acts and bills, and the immigrant experience has been one of learning English (or more correctly Americanized English) and adapting and contributing to our nation, state and society. This bill does nothing to advance this very plain fact. We do not need a new law. English is not an endangered language in Michigan, and there is no question as to what language is spoken here. Whether this bill ultimately becomes law or not won't alter these simple facts in the slightest. Thus, bill is a proposed solution to a non-existent problem -- and a waste of both time and tax-payer money. Michigan, like all the other states of this great country, has been greatly enriched by the contributions of immigrants from all over the planet. People come here, and they and their children learn English. Indeed, if you were to ask any immigrant today, if they expect to see their native language pass onto their grandchildren, almost all of them will tell you 'no.' While HB 5633 may appear to be a simple 'no-brainer' to some, many other issues will be impacted if this bill becomes law: immigration and education funding being two areas that immediately come to mind. But other issues are clearly raised as well. Do the sponsors of this legislation want Michigan to be more like the French? France has long sought to 'protect' the French language and culture. It even has formed a governmental agency -- the Academie Francaise of France, as the arbiter of the French language. And what about Michigan's flag and state seal, both of which contain Latin words and phrases. Will those historic symbols of the state need to be changed to comply with this proposed new law? And exactly what form of English? While we share a common language with Great Britain, anyone who has traveled to the other side of the Atlantic will quickly realize that Americanized English differs from that of the Queen's English. Ultimately, other than some of the questions raised, this bill does little, if not nothing, other than send a wrong message of intolerance. Thus, I voted 'no' on House Bill 5633."

Fantastic!!! Do you think if you or I went to Mexico that they would be sympathetic to us? Heck NO! they would throw me or you into the mexican prison system to die off! You come here to USA you learn English Period!

This legislation is long past due. Not only was our nation founded within the English language, but it will save many taxpayers dollars in the unnecessary expenditure of printing items with various languages. Our children and childrens' children have been and will be burdened with enough debt, without visiting anymore tax expeditures upon them.

If you love English so much, maybe you should try to learn it. From your post I see we definitely need to define English as our state language and require a lot more emphasis on teaching correct grammar in our schools.

That's all I have to say. People don't understand what this can mean for our educational system. Everyone on here wants to complain about what kind of shape it is in already, let's see what this will do for it?! Not much. Look at other states that have passed this bill. Especially recent ones. We are not looking to help this children, we're pushing them out. Test scores go up in CA after this bill..WHY? Maybe cause they are reporting percentiles not important things like attrition rates. How many students did we lose to raise that percentile up 14 points? Is that worth it? What are the repercussions? Won't these non-educated children grow up and become a non-educated voting adult like many of you. Let's educate them now, ignore our ethnocentric attitudes, and do our job. Money spent to educate now is money saved from supporting in the future. Create self reliant citizens.

is it "ethnocentric" to state that english be the official language? is it "ethnocentric" to speak "ebonics" instead of plain english? when my great-great grandparents hit shore, they had to learn english, even though they spoke cajun french at home. being multi-lingual is a great gift, and a great achievement. being incapable of speaking the native language of the country you live in, and refusing to even try to is not "ethnocentric", it's bigoted.

First after reading many comments, I would clarify that "American (or America)" is not a language. To say "this is America (after Amerigo Vespucci, by the way), speak English"; is the equivalent of saying this is Brazil, speak Portuguese." This is a land of outsiders. It was settled by Spanish, French, and English among others. when the Dutch landed in New Amsterdam they didn't speak English, nor I doubt did they learn it before they died. The Chippewa spoke Chippewa, the Sioux spoke Sioux and the Cree, Cree until the massacres--which I imagine were prompted by dialogues just like this one.

First after reading many comments, I would clarify that "American (or America)" is not a language. To say "this is America (after Amerigo Vespucci, by the way), speak English"; is the equivalent of saying this is Brazil, speak Portuguese." This is a land of outsiders. It was settled by Spanish, French, and English among others. when the Dutch landed in New Amsterdam they didn't speak English, nor I doubt did they learn it before they died. The Chippewa spoke Chippewa, the Sioux spoke Sioux and the Cree, Cree until the massacres--which I imagine were prompted by dialogues just like this one.

all others are free to leave. You don't see the mexican or any other foreign government printing stuff in english, why should we? Try going to the middle east and complaining that none of the signs are in english....that should be fun to watch.

keeps quoting the C.I.A., they'll come around to his house and tell him about THEIR version of the death penalty. i still chuckle every time i think about it...

To cater to immigrants, then, how many languages should web pages and official documents be available in -- ALL of them? Consider other countries: how many can you name without also knowing their official language? Think of Italy, Portugal, Norway, Russia, Japan, China, Egypt, Brazil, Algeria. The nations with no official language is indeed short. All have immigrants, and the immigrants conform. It is part of adopting and and adapting to a country and a culture they have chosen. To insist on establishing a subculture is to reject the country. This is what we are seeing - not Americans, but Mexicans living in America.

Or, maybe they'll either learn English (furtherign their education and employment opportunities and integrating into society) --OR-- go home to the country they actually embrace

The Better