English-only plan killed in House

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 26, 2006 | by KYLE HENLEY THE GAZETTE

DENVER - A proposed constitutional amendment that would have banned government from printing anything or otherwise communicating in any language other than English was defeated Tuesday by a House committee.

Members of the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee voted 6-5 to kill House Concurrent Resolution 1008 by Rep. Dave Schultheis, R-Colorado Springs.

Schultheis, who submitted the amendment as part of his effort to crack down on illegal immigration, tried to make it more palatable to critics by removing provisions that would ban foreign-language books in public libraries and nonglish instruction in public schools.

"This is aiding participation of people in all language groups into the American culture," Schultheis said. "We don't want to become a nation that split because of language."

Opponents were not swayed.

"It impedes our ability to make good policy," said Rep. Paul Weissmann, D-Louisville. "I also don't think this procedure does anything to encourage folks to learn English."

Other critics called the bill mean-spirited and punitive.

"It is singling out a specific people group," said Mark O'Brian of Coloradans for Immigrants Rights. "Despite the fact the library and public school provisions have been struck, I don't think it changes the spirit or the intent of the bill. It is counterproductive and would not lead to a material impact on English learning."

Schultheis has had no luck advancing his immigration policies. His bills dealing with immigration have been defeated during the 2006 General Assembly session.

Lawmakers, however, are moving forward with a bipartisan package of bills aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. Five of the eight bills that appear bound for passage are sponsored by Republicans despite the fact that Democrats control the House and Senate.

Also Tuesday, the same committee voted to approve one of those bills -- Senate Bill 207. The measure makes it a felony to sell or traffic in illegal immigrants.

Other measures advancing include a bill that would ban state contractors from hiring illegal aliens and legislation that would create a special unit within the Colorado State Patrol to enforce immigration laws.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 1-303-837-0613 or kyle.henley@gazette.com