Tilley: "Odd Requirement" Just As Important As Encouraging Economic Development, Job Creation

Even though economic development and job creation are on the top of many Missourians minds’ there are several other issues we are working in the state capitol. This week the Missouri House passed a measure [HB167] that would make sure anyone who received a Missouri drivers license would have to pass the drivers test in English.

This may seem like an odd requirement, but currently an individual in Missouri has the option to take the test 11 different languages. However, in 2008 Missourians made English the state’s official language for all formal proceedings with a vote of 89%. We believe extending this into a requirement for a driver’s license makes sense.

While diversity is a proud part of our heritage and should continue to be in our future, we also believe that public safety is important as well. For instance, someone who cannot communicate in English during a routine traffic stop or during an emergency situation on a major roadway could potentially cause serious harm to other motorists.

In addition, a great deal of access is allotted to individuals when through the use of a driver’s license. Some individuals will use a driver’s licenses to get all kinds of government services that they could not otherwise. As an example an individual could obtain a forged birth certificate or social security card and then receive state health provided services.

Additionally, the Missouri Department of Revenue currently will provide an interpreter for any of the existing 11 approved languages – adding even more bureaucracy and cost. The point is, adding this English requirement not only simplifies the standard process of getting a driver’s license, but we believe also improves public safety for our citizens.

In the state of Missouri in 2008 there were over 900 fatalities from car accidents. [Source: http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2011/tables/11s1103.xls] We hope to greatly decrease this number and while many of these fatalities were unfortunate accidents if we can prevent any of them we should try.

We want to keep our families as safe as possible and a simple requirement like passing a drivers license test in English can help do that.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve here in the House of Representatives. As always, I welcome your comments. You may reach me at 573-751-1488, send your e-mails to steven{dot}tilley{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov or write to me at the Missouri House of Representatives, State Capitol, Room 308, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

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