House passed a bill requiring English only driver's license exams.

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2/14/2012: Radio Story - The House debated a bill that would require all drivers tests to be in English.

Intro:	After an extensive debate, the House passed a bill requiring English only driver's license tests.
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Wrap: The driver's test is currently offered in twelve languages including English.

Democratic St. Louis County Representative Jill Schupp discussed how this bill would not make immigrants and new businesses feel welcome.

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Description: "Part of being an American and being part of the great experiment, the melting pot, is learning our culture and our language and learning English."

The bill sponsor Republican Representative Mark Parkinson says the federal government mandates that any commercial driver's license test be in English.

Parkinson also says this bill would save the state a substantial amount of money from lawsuits.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ashley Hartman.

Intro:	Missouri's House approved a bill that would only allow the driving test to be given in English.
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Wrap: After an extended debate, the House approved the measure.

Democratic St. Louis County Representative Jill Schupp strongly opposed the bill and says it would take away the privilege of driving for those who want to come work in this country.

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Description: "This is a bill that does no good for this state, does no good for job creation, does no good to welcome growth or economic development in our state with other countries throughout the world."

Fourteen republicans joined Schupp and many democrats in opposing the bill.

The bill Sponsor St. Charles Republican Mark Parkinson says immigrants will have to learn English to become part of the American culture.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ashley Hartman.

Intro:	Representatives passed the bill limiting the driver's test to English only.
RunTime:	0:38
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: During the debate on the floor, opponents argued about the difficulties immigrants would face to obtain a driver's license.

Democratic St. Louis Representative Karla May said the bill might create a slippery slope for welcoming immigrants.

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Description: "Not to want to welcome other people from different places by tightening the reigns in saying that you can only drive if you speak English only. What next?"

Harrison Republican Representative Rick Brattin supported the bill and says this is important because the English language binds everyone together.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ashley Hartman.