RIVERSIDE - The use of federal stimulus funds to provide English-language classes for Spanish-only speakers ignited a debate between Riverside County supervisors today about how best to utilize taxpayer dollars.

At issue was a proposed $150,000 allocation of American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds to support an adult literacy program taught in Spanish, with the goal of giving the students the foundation "to acquire their second

language, English,'' according to county Economic Development Agency documents.

The board approved the proposal 4-1, with Supervisor Jeff Stone dissenting.

Meadowbrook resident Gary Grant, a frequent speaker at Board of Supervisors meetings, blasted the literacy program as an example of government giving illegal immigrants a pass.

"The problem I see ... is the oversight,'' Grant told the board. "Are these people citizens? Are we giving advantages to ourselves? Is it detrimental to us, we the people, who took the time to become citizens?''

Grant, who immigrated with his family from Britain more than four decades ago, wondered how the program would lead to immersion if the students are "not going to speak the English language.''

Stone questioned the rationale of banking taxpayer dollars on courses that are already available via night schools, "self-help books and DVDs.''

"I don't support the use of these funds for this purpose,'' the supervisor said. "I think this (money) should be used for creating jobs, which is what the Act was designed to do. There are many people who are English-

speaking American citizens who are out of work Advertisement

Primus Golf Academy and hurting. These funds should be directed toward them as a priority.''

EDA Director Rob Field said the $150,000 came with federal strings attached and was available only for English-as-a-second-language programs.

"It will be used for a good purpose,'' Field said. "In a chronic sense, it might help address the long-term issue of employability (among non-English speakers) in the county.''

Supervisor Bob Buster argued the funds would benefit people "on the periphery'' by improving their interactive skills.

"At least they would have the tools to ask a question and get an answer,'' he said.

But Stone wanted to know how program administrators would ensure that only legal residents enroll in the classes.

"You're saying for the record that if we accept this program, not one dime is going to an illegal immigrant to learn how to speak English?'' Stone asked.

"We will absolutely make certain that it only serves the legal population,'' Field replied.

Board Chairman Marion Ashley said he expected the program to be of some benefit to residents in his district and asked EDA officials to update the board "to make sure the funds are used as set forth'' in the federal

guidelines.

The program will be administered by the Training Occupational Development Educating Communities -- TODEC -- Legal Center of Perris, which provides general assistance to the non-English-speaking community, according to

its Web site.

Some of TODEC's current programs include free English-language classes, Social Security benefits "planning'' and instruction in Mexican Folkloric Ballet.