Census Awareness Month

Floor Speech

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an original cosponsor of H. Res. 1096, which encourages all individuals in the United States to participate in the 2010 Census and expresses support for the designation of March 2010 as Census Awareness Month. This important legislation will help achieve an accurate count of the United States population and ensure that communities across the country have the schools, infrastructure, and other vital resources they need to thrive.

* I thank Chairman TOWNS for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the author of this legislation, Congressman REYES, who has taken the time to increase public awareness on this crucial issue.

* Mr. Speaker, an accurate count of all individuals living in the United States, as required by the Constitution, is critical to ensure the well-being of cities and communities throughout the country. The Census helps guarantee the accurate and fair composition of voting districts at the Federal, State, and local levels and the proper allocation of Federal resources to communities. Census data also helps city planners identify changes in population so that they can place schools, fire and police stations, and other city services in locations that will best serve their residents. Finally, accurate census data is essential to the long term prosperity of our country, as it is used by businesses to make effective decisions regarding investments and growth.

* It is crucial that we increase public awareness of and achieve full participation in the 2010 Census. It is estimated that approximately 16 million individuals--the equivalent of nearly 27 Congressional districts--did not participate in the 2000 Census. Low-income communities--the communities that rely most on a fair distribution of resources and services--are at risk of being undercounted in this year's Census and, consequently, underserved for the next decade. This important legislation will help ensure that all communities get their fair share of resources and are equipped to achieve prosperity and growth.

* I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H. Res. 1096.

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