SPONSOR:	Rep. Outten;
	Reps. Smith, Lee, Carey, DiPinto, Ewing, Hudson, Lofink, Maier, Ulbrich, Wagner, Caulk

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

143rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 79

DESIGNATING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, English is the common language of the United States, and the common language of the State of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, by sharing a common language, America’s immigrants built a new nation and contributed their diverse cultures; and

WHEREAS, according to the 2000 Census, 67 languages are spoken in the State of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, the United States and the State of Delaware are strengthened by diversity, the sharing of which is made possible by the presence of a common language; and

WHEREAS, full political, economic and social empowerment in the United States depends to a large extent upon proficiency in the English language – and a lack of proficiency in English keeps people in a permanent second-class status behind a language barrier; and

WHEREAS, knowledge of English is essential to the democratic processes of American government and the full exercise of our constitutional freedoms, informed and knowledgeable empowerment as voters, citizen checks against government abuses and individual prosperity and independence; and

WHEREAS, it is a purpose of this Resolution to recognize the government’s affirmative responsibility to encourage and ensure greater opportunities for individuals to learn the English language; and

WHEREAS, it is a purpose of this Resolution to encourage state agencies that serve persons of Limited English Proficiency to promote the transition to English language fluency as quickly as possible:

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 143^rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware that the English language should be designated as the official language of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that except as otherwise provided by law, a state agency is not required to provide documents, public written materials, or provide website content in any language other than the official language of this State.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all state agencies and offices that serve persons of Limited English Proficiency shall take affirmative measures to promote the learning of English.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all state agencies and offices that serve persons of Limited English Proficiency shall develop and implement written guidelines for customer service that maximize the promotion of English language learning.