State House Panel Takes Up Immigration Bills

AUSTIN (AP) � Republican Representative Leo Berman of Tyler is portraying his bill that would make English the official language of Texas as a cost-saving method. Presenting his bill before a House committee on Wednesday, Berman claimed the measure would save the state millions since it would only print things in English. The state comptroller did not produce a fiscal note on the bill, but Berman touted the amount of paper and effort that would be saved under his proposal. But opponents are skeptical.

Luis Figuera from the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund, argues that the legislation isn’t about saving money but is aimed at the immigrant population. Berman’s bill was one of several bills targeting undocumented workers being discussed Wednesday evening.