Language Access would allow all New Yorkers to have equal access to government services and information.
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Dear John,
New York State stands as one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the country, with over 5.7 million residents speaking a language other than English at home. Yet, despite this rich diversity of languages, immigrant communities often encounter significant hurdles in accessing essential government information and services.
The New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul can make New York a national leader on language access by passing the Language Access Expansion Act! ([link removed])
What is the Language Access Expansion Act?
The Language Access Expansion Act would expand the existing Language Access Policy to improve access and delivery of language services outside NYC. The bill would mandate county and state government agencies to provide free interpretation and translation services to Limited English Proficient (LEP) communities in each region of the state.
By expanding and enforcing the current Language Access Policy, agencies will be required to translate important information into multiple languages, allowing more New Yorkers to access the information they need to maintain the health and security of their families.
Tell Your Representative To Support Language Access! ([link removed])
Why Does This Matter?
Despite implementation of the Statewide Language Access Policy, interpretation and translation services continue to be inconsistent across the state. Currently, only agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction are required to provide translation in the 12 most commonly spoken non-English languages. This leaves out vital agencies immigrant families frequent, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Education, creating barriers for immigrant families seeking essential information.
Furthermore, the existing statewide language list overlooks numerous dialects, resulting in the exclusion of certain communities from accessing crucial documents in their preferred language. A State Language Access Policy should do the bare minimum–localities ought to have the flexibility to translate vital documents into additional languages to effectively address the diverse needs of their communities.
While we’ve made significant progress on language access needs in the past two years, it’s not enough. The Legislature and Governor have proven this policy is important to New York—it is time they expand the Language Access Act to ALL State agencies in New York this legislative session!
How can I join the fight?
Read our one-pager ([link removed]) and check out our website ([link removed]) for more information on our campaign for language access! We’re closer than ever to expanding language access across New York State, but we need your help to push it across the finish line.
In a state where there are more languages spoken than nations recognized by the United Nations, the need for in-person, real-time interpretation and translation services is higher than ever. Will you join our fight for a more equitable New York today? ([link removed])
In power,
Taina Wagnac
Senior Manager of State and Local Policy
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