(The Bulletin) One Pennsylvania state lawmaker has introduced a piece of legislation that would place the Keystone State on a list of about 30 other states in declaring that English to be the official language of the Commonwealth.
Rep. RoseMarie Swanger, R-Lebanon, has introduced the bill in hopes that she can lend a hand to Pennsylvania's immigrant community.
"My primary concern in sponsoring this bill is the welfare of our legal immigrants. They can hardly feel included if they cannot understand us," explained Mrs. Swanger. The lawmaker pointed to U.S. Census Bureau statistics supporting the notion that "the earning potential of legal immigrants is less than half of those who are fluent in English."
Larry Frankel, legislative director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania, stated that the ACLU opposes Mrs. Swanger's bill.
"We oppose passing a bill that makes English the official language of the commonwealth," said Mr. Frankel. "We believe that it violates the First Amendment rights of both the speaker and the people who have to hear speech." Mrs. Swanger was rendered speechless by the claim. Read more….
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