Those who want to declare English as Utah's official language, impatient with the Legislature, say they plan to file a voter initiative with the lieutenant governor's office.
House Bill 189, proposed by Rep. Tammy Rowan, R-Orem, was killed on a 6-3 vote by the House Government Operations Standing Committee earlier this month. Rowan failed in an attempt to introduce it directly on the House floor.Supporters of making English the official state language said their initiative will declare that "the English language is the sole language of the ballot, the public schools, and all official business of the government."
Mauro E. Mujica, chairman of the board of U.S. English, said 71 percent of Utah citizens support making English the official language. He did not disclose details of the poll that found that support.
"It is unfortunate that the Legislature is shirking its responsibility to follow the will of the people."
The initiative had not been filed at the lieutenant governor's office by late Monday afternoon.