(Carson City, NV)  –  A state lawmaker wants to spend $20 million for English language programs in Clark County schools.

Henderson Senator Michael Roberson (R) says he’ll ask for a bill in next year’s Legislature to fund the language learner programs, noting that one-sixth of the county’s students “cannot speak proficient English.”

The measure has the support of Superintendent Dwight Jones, who calls it an investment that will pay off with “big increases” in academic achievement.