Emerson Weekly Address: Racing to the Census' Finish Line

Statement

"Missourians have only a little time left to ensure they have been counted for the 2010 Census. The outcome of the Census will have lasting ramifications for our entire state. As the program moves toward completion on July 1 there is a closing window for each of us to be certain we and our families will be part of an accurate count for the state.

The process of this year's Census began a few months ago when each household should have received and returned a written form. For a variety of reasons, only 73 percent of Missouri households have been counted in the Census so far.

That statistic lags significantly behind our closest competition for congressional representation, Minnesota, where the response rate is well over 80 percent.

According to some estimates, the margin between our two states is about 9,000 of our state's estimated six million residents. Without an accurate count, the Show-Me State could go from nine congressional districts to eight, losing one of our 11 Electoral College votes and increasing the size of each congressional district by as many as 90,000 residents. Diluting our state's voice in Congress is a disservice to every one of our communities, at a time when the nation needs to hear Missouri's commonsense voice more than ever.

Furthermore, as Missouri's influence would wane, states like Texas and Utah are poised to pick up the seat we would lose. Protecting our state's congressional representation through this simple civic duty is a non-partisan issue. It's also a matter of pride for our bellwether "Show-Me State."

Hanging in the balance is more than a congressional seat and a Missouri vote for president in the Electoral College. On the line is also some $400 billion per year in federal funding for transportation, education health care, law enforcement (just to name a few) which is awarded on the basis of population. As important as it is to reduce federal spending, it is equally important to make what federal funds are spent go to states and communities on an equitable basis. Only the most accurate Census count can guarantee fairness.

The next phase of the Census is vital to fill in the gaps in our statewide count. Enumerators will call and visit residences which have not returned the Census forms. The information you are asked to provide is limited to about ten questions that take ten minutes or less to answer, and the privacy of your responses is protected by federal law.

Any questions about the credentials of a Census worker can be answered by the national Census Bureau's customer service center at 1-800-923-8282.

Thanks to everyone who has already been counted for our state. The good start towards full participation is a great omen for the results Missouri is depending upon. The thing to do now is to complete the count -- it's not too late for us to finish strong."

Source