WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - Jan 30, 2014) - U.S.English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica today issued the following statement in response to the passage of a resolution that declares English the official language of Polk County, Wisconsin.

Introduced by Supervisor Rick Scoglio, the Official English resolution passed last week by a vote of 13 - 9. The resolution does not limit the languages individual residents can speak, but requires that all official Polk County business be conducted in English.

"I commend Supervisor Scoglio and his colleagues on their passage of this common-sense resolution," Chairman Mujica said. "Wisconsin is one of only 19 states that do not recognize the unifying role of the English language. This resolution sends the message that Wisconsin cares about helping its non-English speaking residents assimilate. Removing government translations encourages non-English speakers to learn the language of success in the United States, allowing them to socially and economically achieve greater success. It is my hope that other counties -- and the State Legislature -- follow the example Polk County has set and enact similar legislation in the coming months."

A bill to declare English the official language of the entire State of Wisconsin, AB 340, has been introduced by Rep. Andre Jacque. It currently awaits further consideration by the Committee on State Affairs.

U.S.English, Inc. is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S.English, Inc. (www.usenglish.org) now has more than 1.8 million members.