Governor Little forms committee to assist federal partners in 2020 Census Count

Statement

Governor Brad Little proclaimed today "Census Day" in Idaho and announced the creation of a new committee to assist federal partners in completing the 2020 Census Count.

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts a population count every 10 years. Census results help determine the allocation of federal funds and electoral redistricting, and they help inform business and policymaking decisions at all levels. American households will receive an invitation to participate by April of 2020.

"The 2020 Census Count is a top priority for our state and country, and I encourage Idahoans to participate," Governor Little said. "The State Complete Count Committee I am assembling will ensure we achieve a fair, accurate, and complete Census count, with special emphasis on enumerating members of historically undercounted population groups."

Idaho was one of the top performers for individual response rates during the 2010 Census Count, and Governor Little said he hopes Idaho accomplishes top response rates again during the 2020 Census Count.

"Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of citizen information will remain at the forefront of the 2020 Census Count in Idaho," Governor Little added.

Secretary of State Lawerence Denney and former state legislator Wendy Jaquet will co-chair the "State Complete Count Committee." The group makeup is still being determined but will include members representing the following groups or organizations:

Conservation Voters of Idaho
COMPASS
Agriculture
Law enforcement
Firefighters
REALTORS
Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Idaho Community Foundation
Coeur d'Alene Tribe
Idaho Association of Counties
Association of Idaho Cities
Idaho Education Association
Idaho Hospital Association
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs
Idaho Transportation Department
Idaho Department of Commerce
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Idaho Department of Labor
Idaho Commission for Libraries
Idaho Division of Veteran Services
Representatives from the Majority Party in the Idaho Senate and Idaho House of Representatives
Representatives from the Minority Party in the Idaho Senate and Idaho House of Representatives
The committee will meet for the first time later this summer. It will meet periodically as Census organizers require assistance leading up the spring of 2020.

Source