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.

Kurtz, lawmakers tour Michigan oil spill site

State Rep. Ken Kurtz on Thursday joined several state and local elected officials in Marshall for a situation briefing on Michigan's oil spill by the Environmental Protection Agency and Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

State must take steps to grow agriculture, create jobs

With Michigan's agriculture industry now employing more than 1 million people, about the same as the automotive sector, state government must work better with farmers and agri-business to encourage the growth of new jobs, state Rep. Kenneth Kurtz announced today.

House approves Kurtz bill to honor veterans with M-99 designation

M-99 between Hillsdale and Jonesville would be designated the Hillsdale County Veterans Memorial Highway under legislation unanimously approved this afternoon by the Michigan House.

Kurtz has beef with gov's 'Meatout Day'

State Rep. Kenneth Kurtz today is urging Gov. Jennifer Granholm to rescind her proclamation declaring this Saturday as "Michigan Meatout Day," saying the idea is offensive to Michigan farmers and the state's multi-billion-dollar agriculture industry.

Kurtz helps sponsor welfare reform bills

Rep. Kenneth Kurtz is helping sponsor legislation to prevent waste, fraud and abuse in the state's welfare system.

Landmark commission would protect states' rights, limit federal government

As Congress attempts to force through a massive overhaul of the country's health care system despite intense objections from the public, Rep. Kenneth Kurtz today announced plans to create a special legislative panel in an attempt to limit the federal government.

Kurtz most effective first-term policy maker

State Rep. Kenneth Kurtz of Coldwater saw more bills signed into law than all first-term Michigan House lawmakers during the 2009 legislative session, it was announced today.

As U.S. flag designer is honored in state House, local lawmaker recalls special Hillsdale ceremony

The Michigan House today formally honored the Michigan man who designed the U.S.'s 50-star flag, which brought back special memories for state Rep. Kenneth Kurtz who had invited the man, Robert Heft, to a special ceremony in Hillsdale in 2004.

Kurtz foster care bill now goes to governor

Michigan foster care children could have a more stable transition into new foster care homes under legislation now headed to the governor for consideration as a state law.

Michigan House approves Kurtz bill to improve government efficiency

The state House today overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation by Rep. Kenneth Kurtz that allows Michigan parents with suspended driver licenses because of delinquent child support payments to get their licenses back more quickly after complying with court orders.

CONTACT INFO

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