A New Jersey That Speaks for ALL of Us
New Jersey is more diverse than we have ever been! One in three New Jersey households speak a language other than English at home and over 155 languages are spoken in the state.
In 2024, we successfully campaigned to pass one of the strongest language access laws in the nation, mandating that government agencies provide language services in the seven most commonly spoken languages in the state. Now that the bill has passed, we need to fight for fair implementation across the State, and make sure that government agencies are abiding by the bill.
Despite progress to expand eligibility for certain public services, Limited English Proficiency prevents many from accessing the supports they deserve. At state government agencies that offer direct services, the language access bill provides:
- Oral interpretation and written translation of vital documents in the 15 most spoken languages by Limited English Proficient New Jerseyans
- Annual reporting of language assistance services, community requests, and services provided
- Highly visible informational posters and signage about language access services and downloadable "I Speak" cards
Lack of timely, accurate information costs our state valuable resources and human lives. New Jerseyans deserve a state that speaks for all of us.
| Read The Assembly Bill |
Language Access Implementation Progress Report
In the News:
- NJ Monitor: Bill would require state documents to be translated into 15 languages
- NJ Advance Media: N.J. government agencies would use these 15 languages under new plan
- Philadelphia Inquirer: In protest and performance, groups demand funding for immigrant communities amid huge N.J. budget surplus
- North Jersey / USA Today Network: NJ domestic violence victims don't always speak English. Language access is critical
- NJ Monitor: Lawmakers advance bill to require state documents to be translated into 15 languages
- Slator: New Jersey Expands Language Access Legislation to Include 15 Languages
