To help alleviate the state's budget deficit, Rep. Jack Hoogendyk, R-Kalamazoo, has introduced a bill to declare English as Michigan's official language.
The designation, according to Hoogendyk, would save the state millions of dollars currently allocated to translating governmental documents from departments such as the Secretary of State.
The state currently is facing a combined $3 billion deficit.
While Gov. Jennifer Granholm has proposed new taxes, Republicans in Congress seem bent on only cutting funding across the state.
While Hoogendyk claims the change would lessen the financial burden on the state, the bill is nothing more than an opportunistic jab at migrant workers disguised as a solution for the state's deficit.
Never in the state's history has there been a large rebellion against the multilingual status quo, both in government activities and day-to-day culture.
To bring about this change, seemingly from left field, would be a direct shot at the melting pot of culture that makes many of the state's largest cities so diverse.
One of the brightest characteristics of the state is the amount of immigrant enclaves that dot the city. Dearborn, Hamtramck, Frankenmuth and Mexicantown, for example, provide Michigan with cultural landmarks in a state relatively far from foreign countries — Canada not included.
To declare English the state's official language, a vague bill designed to encourage uniformity among citizens, would threaten immigration into the state.
If the bill were to pass, many of the state's citizens would have difficulty with even the simplest tasks. Passing driving exams, obtaining a passport and even filling out registration forms would be difficult for those who embrace their original culture and choose not to speak English.
Even if Hoogendyk's bill were to gain enough momentum to pass, extraneous costs would inevitably result.
The state would most likely be charged with the task of offering more English classes to those in need, which in turn would require teachers, learning materials and space rental at a significant cost.
In addition, those restricted by the English-only demand would be less likely to contribute to the state's economic market, whether through decreased retail spending or leaving the state for a new, more culturally friendly destination.
This front, aimed at immigrants more than money, will slowly eliminate the culture that has helped define Michigan.
The state's valuable amount of diversity needs to take precedence over a vaguely stated bill that would provide unspecified financial aid to the current red on the Michigan budget's bottom line.
It's time for the state legislature to take a stand for the rights of foreign citizens who proudly cling to their culture, and swiftly kill Rep. Hoogendyk's bill in the process. Congress needs to finally step up by proposing legislation that will raise revenue and reduce the deficit effectively.
