Threats to the Count
Undermining Our Nation’s Most Fundamental Data Tool
The census is the nation’s largest, most complex peacetime mobilization. Conducted once every ten years by the Census Bureau, it provides a critical snapshot of who lives in America. Census data shape our communities and political voice, determining where services go and how representation is allocated. It is the federal government’s first responsibility in the U.S. Constitution and it is carried out by the Census Bureau. There are no do-overs when it comes to taking the census; the Census Bureau has to get it right the first time.
However, there have been a number of efforts that, taken together, will significantly impede the ability to accurately count communities that have been historically and persistently undercounted, underserved and underrepresented. These actions, if not halted, could lead to a count that paints an inaccurate picture of who is in America and hamper our ability to understand these communities’ contributions and lived experiences.
Congress Must Act Now to Ensure a Fair and Accurate 2030 Census:
- Ensure Consistent, Laddered Funding: Advocate for a multi-year, predictable funding stream to allow for phased implementation of census preparations, ensuring adequate support for the 2026 Census Test and other critical phases leading up to the 2030 Census.
- Support the 2026 Census Test: Ensure sufficient funding and resources for the 2026 test to evaluate and refine new data collection methods, outreach strategies, and technologies before the full census is conducted.
- Reinstate Advisory Committees: Push for the reestablishment of key advisory committees to provide expert oversight and community feedback on census planning and execution.
- Oppose Harmful Legislation: Resist efforts to add a citizenship question, exclude undocumented individuals from apportionment, or make the ACS voluntary, all of which would undermine the accuracy and inclusiveness of the census.
- Protect Privacy and Participation: Address concerns related to IRS data-sharing agreements by ensuring that data collected by the government remain protected and are not misused for enforcement purposes.