Posted on 03/19/2007 12:29:24 PM PDT by dangus
Senate passes English bill
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
TOPEKA (AP) -- Legislation making English the state's official language is more form than substance, according to the chairman of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, which endorsed the bill.
''It's a nothing bill. It acknowledges that English is what we speak here,'' Sen. Pete Brungardt, R-Salina, said Wednesday after the committee sent the House-passed bill to the Senate for debate.
The committee removed a section allocating $500,000 to pay for programs that teach English to adults. The bill still requires the state Board of Regents to establish English classes in communities.
Under the bill, no state or local government agency would have to provide documents or hold meetings in any language other than English, but nothing would prevent an agency from offering documents in another language or having interpreters at its meetings.
''In its origin, it was offensive, and now it's harmless,'' said Brungardt, R-Salina.
His amendment making English the state's common rather than official language failed. He said he felt ''common'' was ''a kinder, gentler word.''
If the legislation becomes law, Kansas would become the 29th state to designate English as its official or common language.
Melinda Lewis, policy and research director for El Centro Inc., a Hispanic advocacy group in the Kansas City area, said, ''There's no reason to believe the bill will have the intent they hope. You can't beat a language into people's heads.''
Brungardt said he expects the measure to pass the Senate and be returned to the House.
"It's a nothing bill... In its origin, it was offensive, and now it's harmless."
HIGHLIGHT: " His amendment making English the state's common rather than official language failed. He said he felt ''common'' was ''a kinder, gentler word.''"
What the god-damned hell are Kansas doing with this kind of subversive coward running the show?
CALLING ALL KANSANS!!! DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO UNELECT PETE BRUNGARDT! The choice is between unelecting him, and getting a real Republican in his chairmanship (even if he seat falls to a Democrat), or permitting the liberal status quo!!!
Now where have I heard that sentiment expressed before?
>> Now where have I heard that sentiment expressed before? <<
First off, I am deeply humbled by your attention to this matter. It's just fabulous.
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