California Gubernatorial Candidates Push Back Against New Language Proficiency Testing Policy

Candidates for the California governorship are expressing their intention to oppose the Trump administration’s initiative to require state police officers to implement English proficiency tests for commercial truck drivers. They argue that this move could lead to racial discrimination.

This issue was a primary focus in the recent gubernatorial debate, which was the first since Eric Swalwell exited the race amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The debate also coincides with the administration’s call for tougher measures on commercial driver’s license (CDL) issuance, especially in light of reports detailing fatal accidents involving undocumented immigrants with limited English skills.

Tom Steyer, a notable Democratic figure and wealthy businessman, stated, “Racial profiling is illegal. Bullying someone based on their skin color is against the law here in California,” when questioned about supporting the policy requiring police to administer proficiency tests.

Xavier Becerra, former Health and Human Services secretary, shared concerns in a local news clip regarding potential bias from officers conducting on-road tests. He questioned if these officers were only targeting specific individuals based on appearance. “If that’s the case, they’re breaking the law,” he remarked, referring to the need for fair treatment.

On the other hand, Republican candidate Sheriff Chad Bianco criticized his Democratic opponents for playing the “race card.” He urged a focus on accountability, asserting, “Either you broke the law, or you didn’t. That’s the end of it.”

In October, the Department of Transportation withheld $40 million from California for noncompliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s English Language Proficiency standards. This decision followed an audit revealing that many CDs were improperly issued without verifying the drivers’ English capabilities.

Just last August, an undocumented driver caused a tragic accident after making an illegal U-turn, resulting in significant injuries and fatalities. White House Press Secretary Abigail Jackson expressed that such events highlight a preventable tragedy, emphasizing that individuals without legal status should not hold commercial licenses.

In response to Bianco’s remarks about the need to “drop” racial issues, Democratic candidate Katie Porter expressed astonishment at his insensitivity. “Racism isn’t something you get over. It’s something you fight against,” she stated, reaffirming the importance of addressing discrimination.

Former San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan similarly disagreed with the proposed language testing policy. Instead, he suggested the DMV should oversee driver qualifications. “It’s not about whether you can speak English. The DMV’s job is to ensure that drivers understand the rules of the road and are safe behind the wheel,” he clarified.

Porter pointed out that while enforcement is crucial, oversight by the DMV has often been lacking in California. She highlighted instances where rules pertaining to drunk driving were not adequately enforced, underscoring the need for improved governance in protecting Californians.