Hardly a law

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, May 21, 2007

In any tongue, new legislation establishing English as the official language of Kansas seems likely to be considered weak by critics and proponents alike.

The bill, which Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed into law earlier this month, says no state or local government agency has to provide documents or hold meetings in any language except English.

But that's about all it says.

The issue triggered passionate debate during the 2007 legislative session, but the product was more of a whisper than a bold statement about dealing with illegal immigration.

There's nothing in the legislation preventing governments from offering documents in a language other than English or using interpreters at meetings, which means those who strongly believe English should be the language of the state are likely to think it doesn't go far enough.

Early versions of the proposal barred any state agency or political or taxing subdivision to issue written materials in any language other than English, a provision proponents said would encourage immigrants to learn the language. The more incentive the state can provide to learn English, proponents said, the faster visitors might gain the ability to speak the language and assimilate into their new surroundings.

But that provision was stripped before the bill went to the governor's office.

So was a compromise provision calling for the state to spend $500,000 in funding to pay for English classes - a measure that might have made the legislation more appealing and meaningful to opponents.

Critics of the overall legislation generally agreed it was important for immigrants to learn English but said state government shouldn't do anything to shut out individuals not fluent in the language. They described the early versions of the legislation as elitist and exclusionary - anti-immigrant, in other words.

Before signing the bill, Sebelius expressed reservations about removal of the funding and said she wasn't convinced the overall legislation was necessary.

"Having money for the programs is something that makes sense, and she hopes the Legislature does something next year about providing money for teaching English," said Nicole Corcoran, spokeswoman for Sebelius.

As it stands, Kansas has joined at least 29 other states that have designated English as their official or common language.

But if you didn't hear any cheers or jeers when Sebelius signed the bill, there's no need for a hearing test.

We didn't hear much hubbub, either, and we think that's because the bill that came out of the Statehouse this year amounts to an insignificant step in dealing with the complex issues of legal and undocumented immigration.