[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E330-E331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CENSUS AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2010

  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

[[Page E331]]

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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