JEFFERSON CITY - In another glaring example of his inability to connect with mainstream America, Barack Obama told an audience earlier this week, "Instead of worrying about whether immigrants can learn English . . . you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish."  Representative Nieves comments below:

"As a nation of immigrants, we have always welcomed those who come to our country lawfully," said Representative Brian Nieves.  "But I was troubled by Barack Obama’s comments.  There is an overwhelming support for English as the official language across the country and for Obama to belittle the feelings of the majority of Americans is unbecoming of a man who seeks to become the next President.”

"When I introduced legislation that would create a constitutional amendment requiring official proceedings in the state to be conducted in English I did so after hearing from Missourians across the state who believe that people should be able to participate in a productive economy united by a common language," said Nieves.  "I strongly encourage Missourians to vote in favor of Amendment 1 in November."