Hispanics weigh in on official English
Hundreds of Latinos gather to oppose passage of measure

http://www.hutchnews.com/news/regional/ ... 0307.shtml

By Sarah Kessinger
March 03, 2007

TOPEKA - Bits of Spanish and English were both audible in the crowded Statehouse rotunda Friday at the annual Hispanic Day on the Hill.

Several hundred Latino residents converged on the Capitol to hear speeches, learn about legislation and, in some cases, to remind lawmakers they're offended by a bill that would declare English as the state's official language.

"This is about people who feel uncomfortable when they hear another language," said Rod Bonilla, Salina, state director of the League of United Latin American Citizens. (news flash: you're in a foreign country; go home if you don't like hearing a different language)

The Republican-sponsored bill passed overwhelmingly in the House recently. Democrats added an amendment that creates a $500,000 grant program to aid adult English classes.

House GOP leaders said they wanted an official language to help immigrants understand their job opportunities can improve by learning English.

But Bonilla said it actually denigrates other languages. His first language is Spanish, he said in perfect English, and that reflects a culture.

"How do you tell people they're of no value? You're going to turn a blind eye to a resource?" he asked.

Lawmakers who supported the measure claimed otherwise.

Rep. Larry Powell, R-Kalvesta, voted for the bill, saying he hoped it would encourage people to learn the language.

"If they want to be citizens here, we don't want them held back."

The measure doesn't prevent public agencies from using other languages. But the fact the bill still declares an official language sends a negative message to new immigrants, some said.

It's also a bad move for a state trying to attract business, said Leo Prieto, a promoter with the Kansas City Wizards, a professional soccer team.

"It's just a slap in the face to the Latino community," said Prieto. "You can put all the exemptions you want in there, but it's still taking a shot at other languages. Kansas has a chance to take the lead and not be so anti-immigrant."

Ana Lazarin, a Wichita State University student from Garden City, had mixed feelings.

"Maybe it's a good thing to motivate people," Lazarin said. "On the other hand, my mom's already learning English and she wants to. But if they discourage other languages, she might not get the help she needs."

The bill is expected to possibly surface next in Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee.

Chairman Pete Brungardt, R-Salina, isn't enthused about the bill.

"We'll do something with it, although I think it's certainly a confused piece of legislation at best," he said. "We'll hear it and give it a look."

Brungardt said the bill sends a mixed message - indicating its backers see "some perceived threat to their culture."

He said lawmakers instead should be doing "something substantive to improve people's lives."