Keating blasts English-only initiative as

(Tulsa-AP) -- Governor Keating says a proposed English-only law is "narrow-minded, mean-spirited, petulant and not good for our state." <br><br>An initiative petition making English the state's official

Friday, August 11th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Governor Keating says a proposed English-only law is "narrow-minded, mean-spirited, petulant and not good for our state."

An initiative petition making English the state's official language and banning state money for interpreters or translations on documents is waiting state Supreme Court review. Keating says no services should be denied to U-S citizens.

Keating says it is important for citizens to speak English. But he says to say the state won't print anything to help lawful, permanent residents would shortchange the state.

The governor says the state's economy is strong because of minority inclusion. Keating made the comments yesterday at the American Indian Chamber of Commerce in Tulsa.

State Senator Carol Martin, a Comanche Republican, and Representative Ron Kirby, a Lawton Democrat, filed for the petition. They are being backed by the national organization U-S English.