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Iowa Lawmakers Reject Official English On April 22, the Iowa House of Representatives killed an amendment declaring English the official language of that state. The vote was 48 in favor to 51 against. The vote was almost along party lines, with seven Republicans defecting to defeat the measure. This is the second time that the Iowa Legislature has rejected a declaration of English as the official language. Proponents of the amendment said that the English declaration was an important aid to national unity, designed to help immigrants make the transition to this country. Iowa Rep. Mike Cormack of Fort Dodge, the principal sponsor of the amendment, noted "English as the official language is supported by the vast majority of Iowans. That majority of Iowans deserve to have their views respected." Cormack coupled the measure with one which would have created an immigrant center to help new arrivals find programs and services. But critics of the measure cried racism, and scheduled a series of votes culminating in the rejection of the English declaration. "This is all about politics and nothing else," said Iowa Rep. Phil Wise of Keokuk. "This is mean-spirited claptrap." Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack threatened to veto the bill. Republican splits on the English amendment mirror those on the national level, with supporters of English pointing out that conservative Democrats and core Republicans will appreciate Republican support for the English measure. But GOP "strategists" suggested that immigrants are the fastest-growing segment of the population, and that supporting English will offend immigrants so they would be less likely to vote Republican. |
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The
ELPAC Report 