The Iowa Senate has approved a bill which declares English Iowa’s official language and directs that state documents be printed in English. Representative Nancy Boettger, a republican from Harlan, was the bill’s chief sponsor. The bill passed on a 32 to 16 vote. Senator Mike Connolly, a democrat from Dubuque, was one of the “no” votes. Connolly called the bill narrow-minded and a slap at potential immigrants. Senator Bob Dvorsky, a democrat from Coralville, said it was ironic that Senators approved the “english-only” bill on March 17th as an important immigrant group is being celebrated. Boettger rejected the idea the bill was “mean-spirited” or a slap at immigrants. The bill would also create a Centerfor New Iowans which will help immigrants find housing, employment and government services.
