By Alec Hamilton

Saying “we welcome immigration.” Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order today mandating that state documents be translated into six languages – Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Russian and Creole, in an effort to expand communication to New York’s immigrant communities. The executive order directs twenty-seven state agencies which provide direct services to the public to provide free interpretation of official forms and translation services.

The Buffalo News quotes Conservative Party chairman Michael Long as saying “by doing this, we continue ... the idea that people don't have to learn our language,"

"Why aren't we sending a clear message that it's important to learn English as fast as possible. ... Why does the state or federal government have to do everything for everyone all the time?"

The governor said some of the cost for the program, which could help reach some 2.5 million New Yorkers with limited English, will be paid for by the federal government. The program is due to be phased in slowly over the next year.