Initiative 'A' would require state and local governments to conduct business only in English.
Political Specialist Richard Piatt explains how the proposal would affect Utah.
This is a very divisive proposal, filled with emotion.
Supporters say it would save money, and unify the state.
Opponents insist it's racist.
The faces in any 'English As a Second Language' class tell the story:
People from virtually every nation in the world are immigrating to Utah.
Many of them have to learn English in order to survive.
And that requirement may soon become even more essential.
Proposition A would require all government business be conducted only in English.
That includes everything from getting a drivers license to getting a hunting license.
Proponents insist it makes sense, financially, intrinsically.
Joe Hunter/English Only Campaign Coordinator: "It is a very strong message that we want to be communicating in the same language as much as possible."
There is strong opposition to proposition A this year.
Opponents insist the initiative is a mean-spirited part of a national agenda, funded by out-of-staters.
Jim Gonzales/ 'No' On Initiative A Coalition: "It has a disproportionate affect on ethnic minorities in the state of Utah. Henceforth, it is racist. And you can argue it 16 different ways to Sunday, but that's what it is."
There are arguments that state costs could be reduced if materials didn't have to be printed in different languages, for example.
But opponents say the savings would be minor, between $10,000 and $15,000 a year, according to budget records.
That leaves voters to sort out deeper reasons for Initiative A: is it a unifier, or a divider?
Joe Hunter/English Only Campaign Coordinator: "I think the concerns that we're hearing are based on misinformation and fear, and that's unfortunate."
There are 25 other states that have English only laws in place.
But a couple of them are or are soon- to- be challenged in court.
Read Text of Initiative A
