Two weeks ago, ProEnglish testified before the Pennsylvania House Committee on State Government as the first step in the process to make English the official language of the state of Pennsylvania.

Now, the legislature is back in session and we need YOU to contact your state rep. in support of making English the official language of Pennsylvania!

The bills, H.B. 888 and H.B. 361, were introduced earlier this year by Rep. Scott Perry (R-Dillsburg) and Rep. RoseMarie Swanger (R-Lebanon), respectively.  Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler County), the chairman of the committee, is responsible for calling a committee vote to advance the bills to the House floor.

The last time the PA legislature voted on an official English measure in 2006, a Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. poll found that 77 percent of likely voters in Pennsylvania favored making English the official language of the state.  Several recent national polls have found that upwards of 85% of likely voters want English to be established as the official language of the United States.

Remember, contrary to what our opponents like the ACLU claim, official English does not mean “English only.” Establishing English as the official language of Pennsylvania means that for the state to act officially (or with legal authority), it must communicate in English.

Official English laws also do not force private citizens to learn or speak a language—but they do require state government and elected officials to communicate in English unless there is a compelling public interest (not an individual’s interest, but the greater public interest at large) for the government to communicate in a foreign language, such as in the promotion of tourism, public safety, and in receiving and welcoming international visitors.

These bills are good for Pennsylvania because they would not only encourage immigrants and their children to learn English and promote their successful integration into American life, but it will ultimately save taxpayer dollars.

The House and Senate have reconvened in PA this week, but the session doesn’t last much longer!

Call and email* your State Representative TODAY!

Tell your rep. to support H.B. 888 and H.B. 361 to make English the official language of Pennsylvania!

*Simply click the red button above and it will take you to an email form that will go directly to your state rep.

WATCH:  ProEnglish testifies to make PA the 32^nd official English state