Pandering amendment fails
The Georgia House rejected a constitutional amendment that would make English the official language of the state. I'm sure DA King's head exploded when he read the news:
House Resolution 413 needed 120 yes votes to clear the chamber and head to the Senate. Only 103 House members voted for the measure, while 61 representatives voted against it. The measure failed after nearly an hour of debate. Supporters, including the bill's sponsor, state Rep. Tim Bearden (R-Villa Rica) argued that the bill had been misinterpreted by critics.Why? English is already the official language of the state language (OCGA 50-3-100). Why is there a need to go any further with a constitutional amendment? Has there been a serious threat or any threat at all against the will of the legislature? Or is this just another attempt at pandering?Opponents warned the proposed constitutional amendment, if enacted, could create a host of unintended consequences. They also said the proposal was unnecessary because English has already been designated the state's official language. Some criticized it as an election-year stunt. "I would like to think the General Assembly is anxious to speak with constituents and share our victories in addressing the water crisis, helping families keep their homes, spurring economic growth, providing health care coverage for children of working families, improving our educational performance," said state Rep. Pedro Marin (D-Duluth), "... instead of wasting our time on cheap symbolism and dime store legislation."
Anyway, Bearden put the House on notice that he would move to reconsider the resolution tomorrow. I'm hoping for a similar result.
Since this obviously has to do with immigration, I saw this video earlier and it goes well with this post. This is former US House Majority Leader Dick Armey speaking about immigration:
Comments
I voted for the bill. I am sitting on the floor of the House right now and we just voted to re-consider, the motion passed 90-43 and the bill was immediately sent back to the Rules Committee!
English is the International Language and this bill simply states the all official documents for government use, be in English.
Posted by: Rep Davis | February 27, 2008 10:56 AM
English is the International Language and this bill simply states the all official documents for government use, be in English.
This is already the law.
ยง 50-3-100. English designated as official language; constitutional rights not denied; authorization for documents and forms in other languages; exceptions.
(a) The English language is designated as the official language of the State of Georgia. The official language shall be the language used for each public record, as defined in Code Section 50-18-70, and each public meeting, as defined in Code Section 50-14-1, and for official Acts of the State of Georgia, including those governmental documents, records, meetings, actions, or policies which are enforceable with the full weight and authority of the State of Georgia.
(b) This Code section shall not be construed in any way to deny a person's rights under the Constitution of Georgia or the Constitution of the United States or any laws, statutes, or regulations of the United States or of the State of Georgia as a result of that person's inability to communicate in the official language.
(c) State agencies, counties, municipal corporations, and political subdivisions of this state are authorized to use or to print official documents and forms in languages other than the official language, at the discretion of their governing authorities. Documents filed or recorded with a state agency or with the clerk of a county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision must be in the official language or, if the original document is in a language other than the official language, an English translation of the document must be simultaneously filed.
(d) The provisions of subsection (a) of this Code section shall not apply:
(1) When in conflict with federal law;
(2) When the public safety, health, or justice requires the use of other languages;
(3) To instruction designed to teach the speaking, reading, or writing of foreign languages;
(4) To instruction designed to aid students with limited English proficiency in their transition and integration into the education system of the state; and
(5) To the promotion of international commerce, tourism, sporting events, or cultural events.
Posted by: Jason | February 27, 2008 11:38 AM
OK. Great. So then whats the problem?
Posted by: Rep Davis | February 27, 2008 12:17 PM
The problems is that the legislature is pandering to constituency to hide the fact that they haven't done anything but raise taxes this year.
Posted by: Jason | February 27, 2008 12:33 PM
A good reason for a Constitutional amendment: cost to taxpayers. Look at California where government documents (i.e. voting ballots) are printed in multiple languages. The requirement stems from population demographics.
In order to form a more perfect Union, save us some money and reinforce our culture by requiring people to use a common language - at l