Dear Charlie Hoffman, 10-31-03.
013 says, "English is designated as the official state language of Kentucky.". Even though that this chapter is still standing there was an argument at the General Assembly meeting. This motion was to request that we change the statement above to "English is designated as the primary language of Kentucky. Spanish is designated as the secondary language of Kentucky.". When first herd many were dumb founded over the facts of this statement. When the census was taken there was only 1.5% of Hispanics in Kentucky. This motion should not take effect because it is not a high enough percentage, it would give the wrong impression and would raise unemployment status. The government has tries many things with out researching fully to every opinion and was resented for it such as prohibition so this I a opinion that should be searched.
When looking at this argument there should be primary sources to back it up. Taking a look at Texas for example they have Spanish as their second language and for good reason. Texas is a bordering state of Mexico which is a Spanish speaking nation. Being that gives them a incredible percentage of Spanish speaking persons. Kentucky on the other hand dose not have a high percentage, never have and probably never will. The percentage is only 1.5.Many would consider it only if it is no less then 45% and had the potential to grow in that area. We don't even have the potential if you look at the total growth over the years compared to places like Texas. It is true that the population of Spanish speaking Americans has tripled from ten years ago but that is because we are getting more immigrants from Mexico in the U.S. So it is affecting every state not just this one. .
If Kentucky changed this statue we would be giving Spanish speaking Americans the wrong impression. We would be advertising as this being a great state in which they could live in.