http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centreda ... 923898.htm

Posted on Wed, Jun. 28, 2006

Pa. House approves making English official state language

MARTHA RAFFAELE
Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. - As the national debate over immigration rages, the state House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday that would make English the official language of Pennsylvania.

The measure would require both the state and local governments to conduct business and use official documents written only in English. The House voted 122-70 to attach it to legislation concerning state Insurance Department fees and passed the amended bill 159-34.

"We want to reaffirm that English is our language," said Rep. C. Adam Harris, R-Juniata, who sponsored the amendment. "I think it'll streamline government - we'll be printing only one form, which will save many, many taxpayer dollars in the future."

The measure now goes to the Senate, where its immediate fate was uncertain as lawmakers awaited final agreement on a state budget for the fiscal year that begins Saturday. It provides exceptions in certain situations, such as when public safety, health or justice require the use of another language.

Twenty-seven states have adopted English-language legislation, and Pennsylvania is among 10 states where similar measures have been introduced during the current legislative session, according to U.S. English, a group that advocates making English the national language.

Proponents of the Pennsylvania bill said it would encourage immigrants to adapt more easily to American culture, but opponents argued that it would only discriminate against them.

Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, called it "part of a portfolio of tools that the Republican Party is using to polarize our electorate, to mobilize the base."

"It adds to an image for the state of Pennsylvania that will say that we are closing the doors, we're not welcoming to immigrants," Frankel said.

Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Philadelphia, noted that he provides literature in his district office to Spanish and Asian constituents printed in their native languages.

"I understand it is an amendment that is in touch with a significant body of sentiment in Pennsylvania," Cohen said. "But it is an amendment that is not touch with the needs of people who come here from foreign countries and have trouble speaking the English language."

Rep. Samuel Rohrer, R-Berks, said most state residents, including immigrants, already believe English is the state's official language.

"I had grandparents who came and spoke German," Rohrer said. "Why don't we speak German? Because Germany didn't win the war."