State Question 751: English as the official language of Oklahoma
Posted: 10/07/2010
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By: Marla Carter
Making English the official language of Oklahoma brought heated debate over the legislative session.
Now, you'll decide on it. It's one of 11 questions on the November ballot.
When you get a driver's license manual or fill out an application for college, there are two options: English or Spanish. One lawmaker wants to put a stop to it and make government services operate using English only.
"When you call an agency you're not going to have to push one for English or any other number for another language. It's actually simplifying the process," said Representative George Faught.
But what representative Faught considers simplifying, others feel is complicating.
At least that's the view of a University of Tulsa professor and attorney, James C. Thomas.
"It violated the free speech clause. The Supreme Court of Oklahoma in 2002 has already ruled that English only is unconstitutional. Why does the legislature now come back in 2010 and resurrect this issue?" said Thomas.
"It's a very well-crafted piece of legislation. There's provisions in that we feel will protect Oklahoma," said Thomas.
Another concern, Thomas says there are a number of people in Oklahoma that are here temporarily on visas, and they may need services.
"You have a lot of people in this state, legally, who don't speak English and sometimes they need government service," said Thomas.
"It encourages those immigrants that have come to the United States legally to be a part of the system. Learn the culture. Learn the enterprise, and it will make them more profitable and more effective when they want to deal with government, deal with business," said Faught.
Plus, Faught says printing material in English would save the state hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"If you just do it in one language there's going to be a cost saving measure. Just to print the Spanish driver's license manual alone was $50,000," said Faught.
"Even if that were so, would that justify keeping rights from people? Oh, we can't afford to give you your rights so let's take them away," said Thomas.
Thomas did file a lawsuit claiming the state question is unconstitutional, but he withdrew the suit, saying if the question passes, he will re-file the lawsuit.
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CLICK HERE FOR IN DEPTH COVERAGE OF THE STATE QUESTIONS
STATE QUESTION NO. 744 (INITIATIVE PETITION NO. 391)
If approved by voters, this would amend the Oklahoma constitution to mandate that the state spend the same amount of money per student as the average spent by the surrounding states. CLICK HERE FOR FULL COVERAGE OF STATE QUESTION 744
STATE QUESTION NO. 746 (LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 347)
If approved by voters, this would require voters to provide documentation of their identity, and specifies the types of proof that would be accepted. CLICK HERE FOR FULL COVERAGE OF STATE QUESTION 746
STATE QUESTION NO. 747 (LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 348)
If approved by voters, this would amend the Oklahoma constitution to impose term limits on statewide elected offices, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and treasurer. CLICK HERE FOR FULL COVERAGE OF STATE QUESTION 747
STATE QUESTION NO. 748 (LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 349)
If approved by voters, this would amend the Oklahoma constitution to change the way that apportionment (splitting of the state into house and senate districts) takes place.CLICK HERE FOR FULL COVERAGE OF STATE QUESTION 748
STATE QUESTION NO. 750 (LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 350)
If approved by voters, this would amend the Oklahoma constitution to change the rules governing initiative petitions and referendum petitions.CLICK HERE FOR FULL COVERAGE OF STATE QUESTION 750
STATE QUESTION NO. 751 (LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 351)
If approved by voters, this would amend the Oklahoma constitution to mandate that all state business be conducted in English. CLICK HERE FOR FULL COVERAGE OF STATE QUESTION 751
STATE QUESTION NO. 752 (LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 352)
If approved by voters, this would amend the Oklahoma constitution to change the makeup of the Judicial Nominating Commission, the body which recommends judges to the governor for appointment. CLICK HERE FOR FULL COVERAGE OF STATE QUESTION 752
STATE QUESTION NO. 754 (LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 354)
If approved by voters, this would amend the Oklahoma constitution to change the rules for how the state legislature can designate the distribution of funds.
STATE QUESTION NO. 755 (LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 355)
If approved by voters, this would amend the Oklahoma constitution to make it illegal for Oklahoma courts to consider international law -- and specifically, Sharia law -- when ruling on cases. CLICK HERE FOR FULL COVERAGE OF STATE QUESTION 755
STATE QUESTION NO. 756 (LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 356)
If approved by voters, this would add a new section to the Oklahoma constitution which would make it illegal to force participation in a health care system.
STATE QUESTION NO. 757 (LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 357)
If approved by voters, this would amend the Oklahoma constitution to increase the amount of surplus revenue that goes into the state's "Rainy Day" fund. CLICK HERE FOR FULL COVERAGE OF STATE QUESTION 757
