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Two language measures move forward in Oklahoma House(Daily Oklahoman, The Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Feb. 19--A proposal to make English the state government's official language moved closer Wednesday to getting on the ballot. The House Rules Committee passed House Joint Resolution 1042. It now goes to the House floor. Under the plan, people and businesses would be allowed to use any language. Only government would be affected. Another panel, the House Public Safety Committee, passed House Bill 2252, which would require that driver's license tests be provided only in English. It also goes to the House floor. "It's common sense," said Rep. Mike Christian, R-Oklahoma City, a former state trooper. "If they can't speak English, they can't read the signs." Rep. Randy Terrill is author of both measures. Terrill, R-Moore, said the state has spent about $22,000 to print Spanish-language manuals and has paid nearly $7,000 for translation services. That could increase as more than 20 people last year requested tests in other languages, such as Arabic and Russian. HJR 1042, the official-English measure, has exemptions for languages of American Indian tribes and allows the use of both Braille and sign language in government services. It also contains exceptions for things such as public health and safety, trade, commerce and tourism. Tamya Cox of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma and Patricia Fennell, executive director of the Latino Community Development Agency, spoke against the plan, calling it divisive. "It's such a sad day that once again we are taking a step that is detrimental and enhances the image of Oklahoma being backwards," Fennell said. She said Hispanics want to learn English because they know they must speak it to succeed here. But it's hard to learn and it takes time, she said. To see more of The Oklahoman, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.newsok.com. Copyright (c) 2009, The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |