The Bill, HB 3499, would also establish a process to track how ELL funds are being spent in the State
(Washington DC) — U.S. English, Inc., the nations oldest and largest non-partisan citizens’ action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States, with over two million active members, fully supports the Oregon House of Representatives decision to approve House Bill 3499. The legislation directs the Oregon Department of Education to begin developing a statewide plan for reporting on the progress of English Language Learner (ELL) students, and to establish a transparent and uniform process for tracking how ELL funds are being spent in the State.
“Substantive academic and independent research studies have clearly shown that immigrants who are encouraged to learn English attain higher levels of education, are better able to both find and retain employment, earn a higher living wage, and are more economically and professionally successful,” said U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica. “Being able to speak and write English also encourages citizens to actively participate in the civic, cultural, and political affairs of our country; including that most cherished of all Democratic rights – voting,” concluded Chairman Mujica.
“All Oregon students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, deserve access to a high-quality education experience,” said Oregon House Representative Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver), who helped draft the legislation as a chief co-sponsor of the bill. “Passing this bill is a critical step toward ensuring our English language learner students are receiving the resources and support they need while helping combat Oregon’s achievement gap.”
U.S. English, Inc. assertively believes that the best way to close the growing economic, professional, academic and general achievement gap between English and non-English speaking students and citizens in our country and in Oregon is to once and for all make English the official language of the United States.
