GOP lawmaker seeks more state funding for English language learners

CARSON CITY – Sen. Michael Roberson, R-Henderson, said Monday he will propose a bill in next year’s Legislature to provide $20 million a year in funding for English language learner programs in Clark County schools.

“Of the 311,000 students in the Clark County School District, one-sixth (52,000) cannot speak proficient English,” Roberson said. “A large portion of these students are Hispanic. No rational person can think this situation is acceptable. For CCSD to succeed, Hispanic students must succeed. Likewise for Nevada to prosper, the Hispanic community must prosper.”

Roberson, the expected Senate Republican leader in 2013, said there are no state funds earmarked for English language learning programs.

The Every Child Learns Initiative would provide funds for English language learner programs at all 217 elementary schools in Clark County. About 200 teachers and 200 instructional aides would be hired.

Clark County schools Superintendent Dwight Jones supports the Roberson plan.

“Other states with a large number of English language learners, such as Florida, has seen real academic gains by employing strategies such as early childhood education. This is an investment in our students that will pay off with big increases in our overall academic achievement.”

Roberson said he will work with Democrats to win support for the bill. He added he wants the program eventually to cover all counties. Clark County has the state’s largest population of English language learners.

Roberson said he has not yet talked extensively with other lawmakers about his plan but would like to hear from any who object.

Sen. Mo Denis, D-Las Vegas, expressed support for Roberson’s plan, saying it is “something we need to work on together.”

Denis, the likely Senate Democrat leader, said an interim study that he co-chaired looked at English language learning.

“Early childhood education is a good investment,” he added. “It costs more to educate a child that needs English language learning, but we make no adjustment for it. I find it interesting the he never discussed it with the Hispanic caucus.”

None of the Legislature’s eight Hispanic members is a Republican, but several Hispanic Republicans are running for seats in November.

Roberson said $20 million is a lot of money, but the state budget is about
$3.2 billion a year and state revenue should be higher than expected.

“This is a priority. and I will find the funds outside of (current) education spending,” Roberson said. “It is that important. We don’t succeed as a state if they don’t succeed.”

Contact reporter Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.