Here’s an article in the St. Joseph News-Press about the proposed English-language amendment:

If the ever-increasing number of students enrolled in English classes at the Ruth Houston Learning Center is any indication, non-English speaking adults in St. Joseph are in a rush to pick up the language.

Sharon Franke began teaching English at the center in October 2005. At the time, she was the sole teacher with three students. The center now requires five teachers that instruct up to 85 students.

Immigrants are already eager to learn English — even though most of these people have nothing to do with the state’s official proceedings. English is useful in everyday life. An amendment won’t make people want to learn English, but we don’t need it to. Immigrants already want to learn English.