(The Center Square) – The plan to make English the official language in Wisconsin is moving forward at the state capitol.
The Assembly Committee on Science, Technology and AI approved Assembly Bill 377 which would set an official state language.
Supporters say the plan both requires that all government business be conducted in English and allows for the use of technology as a way to help implement the new policy while providing cost saving to local governments and the court system.
“This bill is not about exclusion, but a practical and unifying measure aimed at encouraging immigrants to become active participants in American civic life,” Sen. Ande Jacquee, R-DeePeere said in a statement.
Jacquee is the Senate author of the plan.
Thirty states, including Wisconsin’s neighbors Illinois and Iowa, already have English as their official language. A little more than a third of those states put the question to voters.
Jacque said surveys continue to show that most Americans want to see English as their state’s official language.
“A Rasmussen poll early this year found that 73% of voters supported making English the official language, including 93% of Republicans, 61% of Democrats and 63% of independents,” Jacque added. “Similarly, a Pew Research Center found 72% support, with 51% saying it is ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important to make English the official language.”
Jacque also said the legislation would help people who don’t speak English, particularly in court.
Local and state governments and courts are often required to provide interpreters. Jacque said his plan will allow governments to use A.I. to assist with translation, and to use things like Zoom to help avoid the unnecessary expense of physically providing an interpreter.
“Particularly in our rural counties, where local governments may have to spend considerable taxpayer funds to accommodate immigrants who are not yet fluent in English, this legislation will help reduce costs by taking advantage of emerging technology,” Jacque added.
