Topeka — A bill declaring English the official language of Kansas gained final legislative approval Friday, sending the measure to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius for her consideration.
The bill had been stuck in a House-Senate conference committee for weeks, but re-emerged as the House agreed with the Senate version of the legislation on a 106-19 vote.
The House had initially put $500,000 into the bill to go toward teaching English to adults. But the Senate took those funds out of the bill.
State Rep. Candy Ruff, D-Leavenworth, said she would have preferred the funding stay in the bill, but she supported it anyway.
"There's nothing wrong with declaring that English is the official language," she said.
Ruff said there was still a possibility that funding could be provided for adult English classes.
Opponents of the legislation said it was an insult to immigrants who already understand the importance of learning English.
During her successful re-election campaign, Sebelius said she would support legislation making English the official state language.
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RonaldWilson (anonymous) says…
Have we lost our minds? Who in the hell does not know that English is the language of Kansas, official or otherwise? We don't need to pass a law to preserve our cultural heritage that is under assault by criminal immigrants. We preserve it by taking the opportunity the next time we encounter one of these invaders to make sure they are not accomodated unless they can effectively communicate in OUR native tongue. No more instructions written in Spanish. No more 'Se habla Espanol' at car lots. No more interpreters paid for by taxpayers to assist in giving our money and services to our less than legal guests. These guests have worn out their welcome. Assimilate or get out!