Amendment 1 would require that meetings be in EnglishBy Scott Swafford Amendment 1 on Tuesday's ballot would add a statement to the Missouri Constitution declaring that English will be the language at all governmental meetings at which public business or public policy is discussed or decided. It would apply to all meetings, including conference calls, video conferences or Internet chats. Supporters say the amendment is innocuous and would prevent government groups from holding meetings in languages that much of the public would be unable to understand. Opponents say it creates an environment in which immigrants feel unwelcome. Approval of the amendment would have no fiscal impact on the state, according to an analysis by the Missouri secretary of state's office. |