    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [April 1, 1999]
    [Pages 489-490]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the 2000 Census
    April 1, 1999

        Exactly one year from today, America will commence the first census
    of the 21st century. The responsibility to conduct the census is nearly
    as old as our Nation. Beginning in 1790, and every 10 years since,
    America has counted

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    its people, charted its growth, and by doing so, prepared for its
    future.
        The census is a vital statistical snapshot that tells us who we are
    and where we are going as a nation. And though it is taken only once a
    decade, it is important to our everyday lives. The census helps
    communities determine where to build everything from schools to
    supermarkets and from homes to hospitals. It helps the Government decide
    how to distribute funds and assistance to States and localities. It is
    used to draw the lines of legislative districts and reapportion the
    seats each State holds in Congress.
        The Census Bureau estimates it will count about 275 million people
    next year across our Nation. But America must be accurate--and more so
    than we have been in the past. The previous census, in 1990, missed 8.4
    million people and counted more than 4 million twice. Children,
    minorities, and low income Americans have been often overlooked. We must
    do better. Every person in America counts--so every American must be
    counted.
        I am committed to ensuring that Census 2000 is as accurate,
    complete, and fair as possible. That will be an enormous undertaking--
    demanding the largest peacetime mobilization in our Nation's history,
    involving hundreds of thousands of local census takers and community
    volunteers. I have, therefore, asked every executive department and
    agency of the Federal Government to develop an action plan that helps
    recruit census workers and promotes full participation in Census 2000.
    The Census Bureau has put forth a comprehensive and complete plan that
    includes a full enumeration and modern scientific methods. The Bureau
    will also build unprecedented partnerships with business, community
    groups, schools, and State, local, and tribal governments and use, for
    the first time, radio, television, and billboard advertisements to
    encourage everyone to participate in Census 2000.
        Working together, we can ensure that Census 2000 truly reflects who
    we are as a people and that each American can make the best of the
    opportunities of the 21st century.