[…] Stearns County has seen interpreter costs in all departments rise from about $218,600 five years ago to almost $356,000 in 2015. In Stearns County courts, interpreter costs have increased from $117,775 in 2011 to $165,564 in 2015.

Local government officials and a leading language interpreter company say there are often misconceptions about why interpreters are needed, who can interpret and how they are paid. They say professional interpreters are highly trained and knowledgeable not only about language, but about the programs and concepts they are explaining — whether medical conditions, legal definitions or financial aid programs.

Local government officials say they aren’t providing interpreters simply as a courtesy.

“One of the things that lots of people don’t understand is it’s federal law,” said Janet Goligowski, Stearns County gateway services director.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination, including in financial assistance programs. All local governments that receive federal funding must provide “meaningful access” to services regardless of a person’s language. More.

See: St. Cloud Times

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