Kenneth Kurtz

District 58, Coldwater

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KURTZ WANTS ENGLISH AS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

March 10, 2009

State Rep. Ken Kurtz today introduced legislation designating English as the state's official language, which would save taxpayer dollars and create a more efficient state government.

Under the Kurtz bill, state departments would not publish documents in a language other than English. The Secretary of State's office currently prints driving tests in 20 languages, and the Michigan.gov Web site has content in 11 languages.

"We all are a nation of immigrants who have come together under one system of government, one constitution and one language," said Kurtz, R-Coldwater. "It's so important that new U.S. citizens understand English because it is the ticket to a better quality of life. Learning English has become even more essential in the 21st century because our language is predominate on the Internet."

A 2006 poll conducted by MRG Research concluded that 82 percent of Michigan residents support making English the official language of the state. A 2006 Zogby poll concluded that 71 percent of Hispanic voters in the U.S. agree the country should make English the official language of government operations.

"Our state could cut costs by printing government documents only in English," Kurtz said. "At a time when we're facing huge state budget deficits, we must take every opportunity to spend taxpayer money more wisely."

If approved, Michigan would join several other states with an official language designation.

Bipartisan panel should continue to hire state agriculture director

State Rep. Kenneth Kurtz today helped unveil legislation to allow the bipartisan Michigan Agricultural Commission to continue appointing the state Department of Agriculture director.

Governor signs Kurtz veterans bill

A bill introduced by Rep. Ken Kurtz to help properly bury the unclaimed cremated remains of Michigan veterans is now law.

Michigan Senate approves Kurtz veterans bill

The Michigan Senate today unanimously approved legislation introduced by Rep. Kenneth Kurtz that helps identify and properly bury the unclaimed cremated remains of Michigan veterans.

Kurtz wants agriculture department to remain intact

State Rep. Kenneth Kurtz and a bipartisan group of lawmakers today sent a letter to Gov. Granholm asking her to stop plans to merge the Department of Agriculture with the departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Quality.

Kurtz gets 2 bills approved by House in 1 day

State Rep. Kenneth Kurtz today successfully maneuvered two of his bills through the Michigan House, a rare feat for any lawmaker but almost unheard of for Kurtz considering he is a member of the chamber's minority party.

Kurtz bill to help provide stability for foster care children

Michigan's most vulnerable children could have a more stable transition into foster care homes under legislation unveiled today by Rep. Ken Kurtz that allows the children to continue attending the same public school.

House panel OKs Kurtz bill to honor veterans

A state House committee today unanimously approved legislation introduced by Rep. Kenneth Kurtz that helps identify and properly bury the unclaimed cremated remains of Michigan veterans.

Kurtz to sponsor ag task force in Coldwater

The legislative Strategic Task Force on Agriculture will stop in Coldwater on June 22 to gather grassroots ideas on how best to strengthen Michigan's agriculture industry, state Rep. Ken Kurtz announced today.

Kurtz measure would designate M-99 to honor World War II veterans

M-99 between Hillsdale and Jonesville would be designated the 75th Infantry Combat Division Memorial Highway under legislation unveiled today by state Rep. Ken Kurtz.

Coldwater prisons to remain open -- Kurtz

"This is great news for area families and our local economy. I know that prison workers and their families, as well as many local businesses, are breathing a sigh of relief. Branch County had already sacrificed after the closing of Camp Branch last year, and any additional prison closures would have been devastating for our area."

CONTACT INFO

LANSING OFFICE
We are located in the:
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N-992 House Office Building
Lansing, MI 48933

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N-992 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48933

Phone: (517) 373-1794
Toll Free: (866) 362-8812

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