Pawlenty: English Should Be Minnesota¿s Official Language

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, finishing his second and final term, says state legislators should consider making English the official language of Minnesota.

“As we have more diversity of languages in the country and there may be some question about how are official documents going to be created," Pawlenty said, adding, "I think it may be helpful to make it clear that that will be English."

Pawlenty voiced his opinion Tuesday during a brief media availability following a visit by Chilean ambassador Arturo Fermandois. The next legislative session doesn’t begin until after Pawlenty leaves office, meaning the Republican governor won’t have a true say in the debate.

On July 26, the city of Lino Lakes passed an English-only resolution for official documents. English is now considered official language of the Twin Cities northern suburb, thereby printing city materials in English-only.

About half of the states have official English laws, including Iowa and North Dakota.

Legislation to add Minnesota to the list has previously been introduced in the Legislature but failed to materialize. Pawlenty didn't make the issue a priority during his eight years as governor.