New York is launching an Office of Language Access in an effort to codify a law meant to expand accessibility for non-English or limited English proficiency speakers, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday.

The language access office willl help state agencies and offices in the executive branch provide directions for services or benefits in the 12 most commonly used non-English languages as according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Those languages include Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Yiddish, Bengali, Korean, Haitian Creole, Italian, Arabic, Polish, French and Urdu.

"The Statue of Liberty in our harbor tells the world that New York is welcome to anyone and everyone," Hochul said. "Today, we are making it easier for all New Yorkers to benefit from every service and resource our state has to offer by tearing down language barriers. By supporting immigrants and others who are trying to build better lives for themselves and their families, we are making one thing clear: Our state welcomes you and celebrates you."

New York's law and language access policy was meant to aid the state's immigrant population to document translation for state government data. Agencies will also be able to offer translated information from up to four additional languages beyond the required 12.

State lawmakers and Hochul earlier this year agreed to spend $2 million for the new office, which will be part of the Office of General Services.

"OGS is proud to be the home of New York State's new Office of Language Access and support Governor Hochul's commitment to providing New Yorkers with limited English proficiency with improved access to government services," said Commissioner Jeanette Moy. "New Yorkers with limited English proficiency play an essential role in our state's economy and are integral parts of our communities. They deserve equitable access to vital documents, information, and services. We are proud to work with State agencies to improve customer service for communities statewide."

Titles of translated documents, data about bilingual employees and what languages they speak, an internal monitoring plan and a description of how the agency plans to notify the public of language assistance services is required.