English Would Be Official Language Of Michigan Under House Bill

A Michigan House committee has voted to make English the state’s official language.

“32 states have already made this move,” said State Rep. Lee Chatfield. “I think it’s important that we attempt to be unified in this state. It simply puts into legislation something that’s already a reality in the state.”

The Michigan bill – HB 4053 – was sponsored by State Rep. Tom Barrett. The bill would require that English be the language used in all public records, although a state agency or local unit of government could print official documents in both English and another language.

HB 4053 has a chance for passage in the Republican-controlled Michigan House of Representatives next year.