Saturday, February 28, 2009
FL prepares for Census 2010
Our southern neighbor is getting prepped for the upcoming Census. Check out their Census website - www.sunshinecensus2010.com.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Job hunters find work at local Census bureau...
The Clarion Ledger discusses job searches for Metro residents, citing potential temporary jobs available through the Census.
A snippet:
In addition, hundreds of temporary jobs will be available as part of the 2010 U.S. census count. The Census Bureau is hiring for jobs that include updating address lists, interviewing residents and helping recruit other workers in the nationwide population-counting effort conducted every 10 years.
A snippet:
In addition, hundreds of temporary jobs will be available as part of the 2010 U.S. census count. The Census Bureau is hiring for jobs that include updating address lists, interviewing residents and helping recruit other workers in the nationwide population-counting effort conducted every 10 years.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Third time's the charm... or is it? Locke nominated for Commerce post
The National Journal reports that Obama has introduced his third nominee for Commerce Secretary--former Washington Governor Gary Locke. More details below...
Locke Introduced As Third Commerce Pick
By CONGRESSDAILY STAFF
Updated at 1:30 p.m.
Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke was introduced this morning as President Obama's nominee to head the Commerce Department. Obama has to be hoping the third time's the charm. His two earlier choices for the post, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., both withdrew.
"I'm sure it's not lost on anyone that we've tried this a couple of times, but I'm a big believer in keeping at something until you get it right," Obama joked at the press conference announcing Locke's nomination. "And Gary is the right man for this job." Obama went on to praise the country's first Chinese-American governor for his work wooing business to Washington state and for growing the state's high-tech economy. With this pick, the only Cabinet seat without even a nominee is back down to one: Health and Human Services was originally intended for former Sen. Tom Daschle, who withdrew his nomination after it emerged he had failed to pay all his income taxes.
Locke Introduced As Third Commerce Pick
By CONGRESSDAILY STAFF
Updated at 1:30 p.m.
Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke was introduced this morning as President Obama's nominee to head the Commerce Department. Obama has to be hoping the third time's the charm. His two earlier choices for the post, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., both withdrew.
"I'm sure it's not lost on anyone that we've tried this a couple of times, but I'm a big believer in keeping at something until you get it right," Obama joked at the press conference announcing Locke's nomination. "And Gary is the right man for this job." Obama went on to praise the country's first Chinese-American governor for his work wooing business to Washington state and for growing the state's high-tech economy. With this pick, the only Cabinet seat without even a nominee is back down to one: Health and Human Services was originally intended for former Sen. Tom Daschle, who withdrew his nomination after it emerged he had failed to pay all his income taxes.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sun Herald: Census workers needed
The Census Bureau hopes to hire about 75,000 people across the Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana region for the upcoming 2010 Census. If you need a job, the Census might be the perfect opportunity for you!
From the story...
The U.S. Census Bureau plans to hire thousands of people in South Mississippi in the next 18 months to help prepare for and distribute the 2010 census, a move that could pump some money into the local economy, at least temporarily.
The bureau hopes to hire 75,000 people in Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana and the jobs will last from six to 18 months, depending on the type of job, said Traycee Scott-Williams, a partnership specialist with the Census Bureau.
The government group is taking applications for 200 to 300 workers in 11 South Mississippi counties: Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone, George, Greene, Perry, Forrest, Lamar and Marion.
“Right now we’re hiring people to staff the offices we’re opening, as well as people to canvas addresses,” said Kat Smith, a media specialist in the Dallas regional office of the bureau, adding the average rate of pay for this area will be $14.50 an hour.
“That will vary according to the position,” Smith said, “but people can work as much or as little as they like.
“We’re encouraging college students to apply, as well as anyone who doesn’t have a job or anyone who wants to make some extra money.”
From the story...
The U.S. Census Bureau plans to hire thousands of people in South Mississippi in the next 18 months to help prepare for and distribute the 2010 census, a move that could pump some money into the local economy, at least temporarily.
The bureau hopes to hire 75,000 people in Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana and the jobs will last from six to 18 months, depending on the type of job, said Traycee Scott-Williams, a partnership specialist with the Census Bureau.
The government group is taking applications for 200 to 300 workers in 11 South Mississippi counties: Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone, George, Greene, Perry, Forrest, Lamar and Marion.
“Right now we’re hiring people to staff the offices we’re opening, as well as people to canvas addresses,” said Kat Smith, a media specialist in the Dallas regional office of the bureau, adding the average rate of pay for this area will be $14.50 an hour.
“That will vary according to the position,” Smith said, “but people can work as much or as little as they like.
“We’re encouraging college students to apply, as well as anyone who doesn’t have a job or anyone who wants to make some extra money.”
Illegal immigrants will be included in census count, reports the Mississippi Press
Cherie Ward with the Mississippi Press has an article regarding who will be included in the Census count...
A little excerpt:
As the U.S. Census Bureau prepares for a nationwide 2010 headcount, one representative said that the number would include people who aren't citizens, even illegal immigrants.
"We don't count residents, we count people and they don't have to be legal," Traycee Scott Williams said.
Williams is asking local officials for help in making sure that the tally includes everyone in Jackson County. The next census begins April 1, 2010.
"We want to count every person, one time and where they are living," she said. "We do not ask about legal status, temporary status, or anything. We're just counting everybody, where they sleep."
The census must be conducted every 10 years, as required by the Constitution.
The 2000 census recorded 18.5 million who weren't citizens, including about 7 million illegals, according to its Web site.
A little excerpt:
As the U.S. Census Bureau prepares for a nationwide 2010 headcount, one representative said that the number would include people who aren't citizens, even illegal immigrants.
"We don't count residents, we count people and they don't have to be legal," Traycee Scott Williams said.
Williams is asking local officials for help in making sure that the tally includes everyone in Jackson County. The next census begins April 1, 2010.
"We want to count every person, one time and where they are living," she said. "We do not ask about legal status, temporary status, or anything. We're just counting everybody, where they sleep."
The census must be conducted every 10 years, as required by the Constitution.
The 2000 census recorded 18.5 million who weren't citizens, including about 7 million illegals, according to its Web site.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Census stakes are high
The political stakes are high as the U.S. counts noses, reports the NY Times...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Census: Now hiring
Need a job in this economic downturn? Try your hand at working, albeit temporarily, for the U.S. government... The Census Bureau is now hiring.
No Census director as 2010 count nears...
Who will oversee the Census Bureau during the upcoming 2010 Census? No one knows, yet, says the USA Today.
A little snippet from their story:
The Census Bureau faces a leadership void less than 14 months before the 2010 Census rolls out.
The agency is without a director and may not get one until someone is picked and confirmed to run the Commerce Department, which oversees the Census Bureau.
So far, two men nominated by President Obama for Commerce secretary — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, and Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H. — have dropped out.
Obama's selection of Gregg rekindled partisan bickering in Congress. As a former chairman of a subcommittee in charge of Census funding, Gregg had opposed more money for the 2000 Census and voted for a measure that would have abolished the Commerce Department.
The stakes are politically charged because the Census determines the allotment of seats in the House of Representatives, the drawing of political districts and the distribution of billions of federal dollars for schools, roads, hospitals and other programs.
A little snippet from their story:
The Census Bureau faces a leadership void less than 14 months before the 2010 Census rolls out.
The agency is without a director and may not get one until someone is picked and confirmed to run the Commerce Department, which oversees the Census Bureau.
So far, two men nominated by President Obama for Commerce secretary — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, and Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H. — have dropped out.
Obama's selection of Gregg rekindled partisan bickering in Congress. As a former chairman of a subcommittee in charge of Census funding, Gregg had opposed more money for the 2000 Census and voted for a measure that would have abolished the Commerce Department.
The stakes are politically charged because the Census determines the allotment of seats in the House of Representatives, the drawing of political districts and the distribution of billions of federal dollars for schools, roads, hospitals and other programs.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Confessions of a Census meddler...
Former White House staffer Stephen Hess explains how the President exerting some control over the Census isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday's news roundup
Conspiracy theory? Judd Gregg's withdrawal stirs speculation on Obama's Census plan... White House's Census's 'interest': Gregg... and just for kicks, a Twitter Census
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mississippi Congressman to serve on Census Task Force
Congressman Gregg Harper, R-MS, will serve on the newly-created Census Task Force in the U.S. House of Representatives. The full text of the Congressman's press release below:
Contact: Adam Buckalew
Direct: 202.226.8295
HARPER JOINS REPUBLICAN LEADERS IN VOICING CONCERNS OVER THE 2010 CENSUS
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) joined Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and other ranking Republicans in highlighting the creation of a Census Task Force created by Boehner and the Republican Conference.
The announcement of the task force was made during a press conference held today in the U.S. Capitol at which Congressman Gregg Harper and Ranking Member Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) were named as the Committee on House Administration’s designees to the task force. U.S. Representative Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) has been appointed to head the task force.
“The creation of this task force is necessary to ensure a fair census for every American citizen,” said Congressman Gregg Harper. “America deserves real counts – not estimates or extrapolations. Every citizen has the right to be counted in the census that will take place in 2010.”
The task force is comprised of the three ranking members of the House Committee Oversight and Government Relations, the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on the House Administration. Additionally, one member from each of the three committees has been designated to the task force.
The 2010 Decennial Census has far reaching implications. The results of the census will impact the drawing of district lines, apportionment of members to the House of Representatives, and the distribution of monies to state and local governments.
The House Republicans created this task force after an unprecedented decision by the President to bring the Census Bureau under the oversight of White House staff. The Obama Administration has ordered the Director of the Census Bureau to report directly to the White House, which many in Congress see as a blatant political power grab and partisan politics at its worst. Historically, the Census Bureau and its employees have been free from even the appearance of any political influence.
“At a time when Republicans and Democrats should be joining together in the spirit of non-partisanship, this unconstitutional power play by the Obama Administration will inevitably corrupt the census process,” said Congressman Gregg Harper. “Politically manipulating census figures will result in unfair congressional representation.”
If the White House takes over the census, the President’s Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, would control the operations of the 2010 count. In 2006, as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Emanuel was quoted by USA Today saying, "it's a little late" for political parties to mount redistricting efforts. The court's decision, he said, would make the potential for bare-knuckle gerrymandering all the greater after the 2010 Census. "If you think redistricting is always partisan and political, which it is," he said, "it's going to be on steroids this time."
###
A conservative man of faith and integrity, Gregg was elected in November, 2008 to serve the citizens of Mississippi’s Third Congressional District. Soon after the election, his peers elected him as the only freshman of the Republican Steering Committee in the House of Representatives. Gregg is the only Republican freshman appointed by Republican Minority Leader John Boehner to the Committee on House Administration and also sits on the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on the Budget. Gregg currently resides in Pearl with his wife of 29 years, Sidney, and their two children, Livingston and Maggie, where the Harpers are active members of Crossgates Baptist church.
Contact: Adam Buckalew
Direct: 202.226.8295
HARPER JOINS REPUBLICAN LEADERS IN VOICING CONCERNS OVER THE 2010 CENSUS
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) joined Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and other ranking Republicans in highlighting the creation of a Census Task Force created by Boehner and the Republican Conference.
The announcement of the task force was made during a press conference held today in the U.S. Capitol at which Congressman Gregg Harper and Ranking Member Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) were named as the Committee on House Administration’s designees to the task force. U.S. Representative Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) has been appointed to head the task force.
“The creation of this task force is necessary to ensure a fair census for every American citizen,” said Congressman Gregg Harper. “America deserves real counts – not estimates or extrapolations. Every citizen has the right to be counted in the census that will take place in 2010.”
The task force is comprised of the three ranking members of the House Committee Oversight and Government Relations, the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on the House Administration. Additionally, one member from each of the three committees has been designated to the task force.
The 2010 Decennial Census has far reaching implications. The results of the census will impact the drawing of district lines, apportionment of members to the House of Representatives, and the distribution of monies to state and local governments.
The House Republicans created this task force after an unprecedented decision by the President to bring the Census Bureau under the oversight of White House staff. The Obama Administration has ordered the Director of the Census Bureau to report directly to the White House, which many in Congress see as a blatant political power grab and partisan politics at its worst. Historically, the Census Bureau and its employees have been free from even the appearance of any political influence.
“At a time when Republicans and Democrats should be joining together in the spirit of non-partisanship, this unconstitutional power play by the Obama Administration will inevitably corrupt the census process,” said Congressman Gregg Harper. “Politically manipulating census figures will result in unfair congressional representation.”
If the White House takes over the census, the President’s Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, would control the operations of the 2010 count. In 2006, as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Emanuel was quoted by USA Today saying, "it's a little late" for political parties to mount redistricting efforts. The court's decision, he said, would make the potential for bare-knuckle gerrymandering all the greater after the 2010 Census. "If you think redistricting is always partisan and political, which it is," he said, "it's going to be on steroids this time."
###
A conservative man of faith and integrity, Gregg was elected in November, 2008 to serve the citizens of Mississippi’s Third Congressional District. Soon after the election, his peers elected him as the only freshman of the Republican Steering Committee in the House of Representatives. Gregg is the only Republican freshman appointed by Republican Minority Leader John Boehner to the Committee on House Administration and also sits on the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on the Budget. Gregg currently resides in Pearl with his wife of 29 years, Sidney, and their two children, Livingston and Maggie, where the Harpers are active members of Crossgates Baptist church.
Thursday's roundup
Gregg withdraws nomination, key Senate committee votes to give Utah a fourth House seat, and other items below...
--Gregg withdraws as Commerce secretary nominee
--GOP leaders criticize White House's role in census
--Senate panel OKs bill giving Utah a 4th House seat
--White House denies meddling in Census
--Republicans continue to hammer White House over role in Census debacle
--Gregg withdraws as Commerce secretary nominee
--GOP leaders criticize White House's role in census
--Senate panel OKs bill giving Utah a 4th House seat
--White House denies meddling in Census
--Republicans continue to hammer White House over role in Census debacle
Gregg withdraws nomination for Commerce Chief
Breaking news today -
Judd Gregg withdrew his nomination as Secretary of Commerce, due to "irresolvable conflicts":
Sen. Gregg stated in a paper statement, “I want to thank the president for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle. However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.
“Obviously the president requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives. I greatly admire President Obama and know our country will benefit from his leadership, but at this time I must withdraw my name from consideration for this position. As we move forward, I expect there will be many issues and initiatives where I can and will work to assure the success of the president’s proposals. This will certainly be a goal of mine. Kathy and I also want to specifically thank Governor Lynch and Bonnie Newman for their friendship and assistance during this period. In addition we wish to thank all the people, especially in New Hampshire, who have been so kind and generous in their supportive comments.
“As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate.”
Judd Gregg withdrew his nomination as Secretary of Commerce, due to "irresolvable conflicts":
Sen. Gregg stated in a paper statement, “I want to thank the president for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle. However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.
“Obviously the president requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives. I greatly admire President Obama and know our country will benefit from his leadership, but at this time I must withdraw my name from consideration for this position. As we move forward, I expect there will be many issues and initiatives where I can and will work to assure the success of the president’s proposals. This will certainly be a goal of mine. Kathy and I also want to specifically thank Governor Lynch and Bonnie Newman for their friendship and assistance during this period. In addition we wish to thank all the people, especially in New Hampshire, who have been so kind and generous in their supportive comments.
“As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate.”
Opposing views on the Census
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
February Newsletter from the Census
This month's edition has a nifty list of "romantic-sounding places to spend Valentine's Day." Enjoy!
Fact: Romantic-sounding places to spend Valentine's Day:
Roseville, Calif.
Rose City, Mich.
South Heart, N. Dak.
Loveland, Colo.
Darling township, Minn.
Loveland, Ohio
Romeo, Colo.
Sacred Heart, Minn.
Loveland Park, Ohio
Lovejoy, Ga.
Heart Butte, Mont.
Love County, Okla.
Loves Park, Ill.
Valentine, Nebr.
Loveland, Okla.
Lovington, Ill.
Lovelock, Nev.
Lovelady, Tex.
Romeoville, Ill.
Loving, N.M.
Loving County, Tex.
Rosemont, Ill.
Lovington, N.M.
Valentine, Tex.
Romeo, Mich.
Love Valley, N.C.
Rose Hill Acres, Tex.
Rose Hill, N.C.
Rose Hill, Va.
Fact: Romantic-sounding places to spend Valentine's Day:
Roseville, Calif.
Rose City, Mich.
South Heart, N. Dak.
Loveland, Colo.
Darling township, Minn.
Loveland, Ohio
Romeo, Colo.
Sacred Heart, Minn.
Loveland Park, Ohio
Lovejoy, Ga.
Heart Butte, Mont.
Love County, Okla.
Loves Park, Ill.
Valentine, Nebr.
Loveland, Okla.
Lovington, Ill.
Lovelock, Nev.
Lovelady, Tex.
Romeoville, Ill.
Loving, N.M.
Loving County, Tex.
Rosemont, Ill.
Lovington, N.M.
Valentine, Tex.
Romeo, Mich.
Love Valley, N.C.
Rose Hill Acres, Tex.
Rose Hill, N.C.
Rose Hill, Va.
Deal-makin'
If D.C. gets an H, it should have a * by it
Perhaps not directly related to the Census, but this opinion piece is an interesting read.
Enjoy.
Perhaps not directly related to the Census, but this opinion piece is an interesting read.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Stimulating the Census
The economic stimulus bill, as passed by the Senate and House, contains $1 billion for the U.S. Census to be used through September 30, 2010.
$1,000,000,000.
Let's make it count, folks.
$1,000,000,000.
Let's make it count, folks.
Census Feature: African American homeownership in MS
Today's Census Bureau feature centers around Black History Month. Despite recent developments in the housing and mortgage industries, the "American dream is still defined by many as owning your own home." According to the U.S. Census, about 46% of African-Americans live in their own homes. In Mississippi, the rate is almost 60%.
More information from today's Census feature can be read here or below.
Profile America for the 10th day of Black History Month. Even with the recent disturbing developments in the housing and mortgage industries, the American dream is still defined by many as owning your own home. Across the U.S., just shy of 69 percent of householders own their homes, a rate that has been growing slowly over the years. Among the 50 states, the highest percentage of home ownership is in West Virginia, at more than 77 percent, while the lowest rate is in New York, at less than 56 percent. This special edition of Profile America for Black History Month is a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.
More information from today's Census feature can be read here or below.
Profile America for the 10th day of Black History Month. Even with the recent disturbing developments in the housing and mortgage industries, the American dream is still defined by many as owning your own home. Across the U.S., just shy of 69 percent of householders own their homes, a rate that has been growing slowly over the years. Among the 50 states, the highest percentage of home ownership is in West Virginia, at more than 77 percent, while the lowest rate is in New York, at less than 56 percent. This special edition of Profile America for Black History Month is a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.
No concensus on the Census
More political news on the Census - wonder how long this will go?
GOP lawmaker calls for probe of Obama decision to oversee Census
Special Report w/Bret Baier: Panel weighs in on Obama, Census
GOP lawmaker calls for probe of Obama decision to oversee Census
Special Report w/Bret Baier: Panel weighs in on Obama, Census
Why does Obama want control of the Census? The WSJ explains.
The Wall Street Journal has their own ideas on why President Obama wants control of the Census.
Monday, February 9, 2009
"The Census"
Some food for thought...
TITLE 13 of the US Code explains the Census - its makeup, duties, responsbilities, etc.
What is the Census Bureau?
"The Bureau is continued as an agency within, and under the
jurisdiction of, the Department of Commerce."
(Note: Under the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce.)
What authority does the Secretary of Commerce have regarding the Census?
"The Secretary shall perform the functions and duties imposed upon him by this title, may issue such rules and regulations as he deems necessary to carry out such functions and duties, and may delegate the performance of such functions and duties and the authority to issue such rules and regulations to such officers and employees of the Department of Commerce as he may designate."
(Note: Reading this section, it appears the Secretary can only delegate responsibilities to officers and employees of the Department of Commerce.)
Is the Census information private? Who can see it?
"a) Neither the Secretary, nor any other officer or employee of the
Department of Commerce or bureau or agency thereof, or local government census liaison, may, except as provided in section 8 or 16 or chapter 10 of this title or section 210 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 or section 2(f) of the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997--
(1) use the information furnished under the provisions of this title for any purpose other than the statistical purposes for which it is supplied; or
(2) make any publication whereby the data furnished by any
particular establishment or individual under this title can be
identified; or
(3) permit anyone other than the sworn officers and employees of the Department or bureau or agency thereof to examine the individual reports.
No department, bureau, agency, officer, or employee of the Government, except the Secretary in carrying out the purposes of this title, shall require, for any reason, copies of census reports which have been retained by any such establishment or individual."
(Note: No one outside of the Commerce Department can examine
individual Census reports or use the information for anything other than an official purpose.)
Who appoints the Census Director? What are his duties? Who does he report to?
"The Bureau shall be headed by a Director of the Census, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Director shall perform such duties as may be imposed upon him by law, regulations, or orders of the Secretary."
(Note: The Bureau Director, by law, reports to the Secretary of Commerce.)
In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm not sure what type of authoritative flexibility the President has in modifying these guidelines regarding the Census Bureau and Department of Commerce. But, it does make for interesting food for thought.
TITLE 13 of the US Code explains the Census - its makeup, duties, responsbilities, etc.
What is the Census Bureau?
"The Bureau is continued as an agency within, and under the
jurisdiction of, the Department of Commerce."
(Note: Under the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce.)
What authority does the Secretary of Commerce have regarding the Census?
"The Secretary shall perform the functions and duties imposed upon him by this title, may issue such rules and regulations as he deems necessary to carry out such functions and duties, and may delegate the performance of such functions and duties and the authority to issue such rules and regulations to such officers and employees of the Department of Commerce as he may designate."
(Note: Reading this section, it appears the Secretary can only delegate responsibilities to officers and employees of the Department of Commerce.)
Is the Census information private? Who can see it?
"a) Neither the Secretary, nor any other officer or employee of the
Department of Commerce or bureau or agency thereof, or local government census liaison, may, except as provided in section 8 or 16 or chapter 10 of this title or section 210 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 or section 2(f) of the Census of Agriculture Act of 1997--
(1) use the information furnished under the provisions of this title for any purpose other than the statistical purposes for which it is supplied; or
(2) make any publication whereby the data furnished by any
particular establishment or individual under this title can be
identified; or
(3) permit anyone other than the sworn officers and employees of the Department or bureau or agency thereof to examine the individual reports.
No department, bureau, agency, officer, or employee of the Government, except the Secretary in carrying out the purposes of this title, shall require, for any reason, copies of census reports which have been retained by any such establishment or individual."
(Note: No one outside of the Commerce Department can examine
individual Census reports or use the information for anything other than an official purpose.)
Who appoints the Census Director? What are his duties? Who does he report to?
"The Bureau shall be headed by a Director of the Census, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Director shall perform such duties as may be imposed upon him by law, regulations, or orders of the Secretary."
(Note: The Bureau Director, by law, reports to the Secretary of Commerce.)
In the spirit of full disclosure, I'm not sure what type of authoritative flexibility the President has in modifying these guidelines regarding the Census Bureau and Department of Commerce. But, it does make for interesting food for thought.
'Census-sational' news roundup
Let's hope all the hoopla over the Census Director reporting directly to the White House isn't a harbinger on the actual success of the 2010 Census. It's certainly shaping up to be one of the more interesting Census counts in recent years, as evidenced by this week's news cycle:
GOP sounds alarm over Obama decision to move Census to White House
The Census goes to the White House - what were they thinking?
White House nabs political control over Census
BOEHNER WARNS AGAINST WHITE HOUSE TAKEOVER OF TRADITIONALLY NONPARTISAN CENSUS:
“It just tells me that the census, the counting of the population of the United States is going to be politicized. This is very simple, Chris, the Constitution says that every ten years there will be a count of all persons who live in the United States. That means that we need to have an actual count. And why this has to be moved from the Commerce Department over to the chief of staff’s office, I would think he’d have better things to do, than to coordinate the census, but apparently they have ideas about what they might want to do to politicize the counting of our population next year.”
Is Obama politicizing the Census?
White House: Census Director to 'work closely' with West Wing
Fox News Segment
Special Report w/Bret Baier (transcript):
ROBERT GIBBS, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: I think the historical precedent of this is there is a director of the census that works for the secretary of commerce, the president, and also works closely with the White House to ensure a timely and accurate count. And that's what we have in this instance.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BAIER: Hmm. It is the Friday lightning round. We will start with a topic, one topic about the census, the 2010 census, being taken out of the Commerce Department, essentially, and put into oversight at the White House.
We will start with this topic — Bill Sammon?
SAMMON: Think about this. The Commerce Department has always had the Census Bureau for many years, because you're supposed to insulate the Census Bureau from politics.
Every ten years we take a census, and the results have great significance. You redraw the congressional districts so it impacts political power, and you distribute federal dollars based on population.
So it's a political football. What do they do? They take it away from Judd Gregg, the newly minted nominee for Commerce, and put it in, presumably, Rahm Emanuel's portfolio, which is very alarming.
BAIER: Juan?
WILLIAMS: Politics? The census has always been about politics. And what we have here are Latino officials who are concerned that Judd Gregg was going to be in charged, and they said that when Judd Gregg was in the Senate, he was not supportive of making sure there were enough officials to get the census. This will redraw distributes, it has political consequences. So I don't see any problem with bringing it to the White House. It just makes official what we have all known—it's political.
KRAUTHAMMER: You will make it un-political by sticking it in the White House? That sounds illogical to me.
The constitution has a lot of "shall nots" about Congress and the executive. One of the rare items it demands is a census, and it expects that it would be objective, and it ought to be Commerce.
GOP sounds alarm over Obama decision to move Census to White House
The Census goes to the White House - what were they thinking?
White House nabs political control over Census
BOEHNER WARNS AGAINST WHITE HOUSE TAKEOVER OF TRADITIONALLY NONPARTISAN CENSUS:
“It just tells me that the census, the counting of the population of the United States is going to be politicized. This is very simple, Chris, the Constitution says that every ten years there will be a count of all persons who live in the United States. That means that we need to have an actual count. And why this has to be moved from the Commerce Department over to the chief of staff’s office, I would think he’d have better things to do, than to coordinate the census, but apparently they have ideas about what they might want to do to politicize the counting of our population next year.”
Is Obama politicizing the Census?
White House: Census Director to 'work closely' with West Wing
Fox News Segment
Special Report w/Bret Baier (transcript):
ROBERT GIBBS, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: I think the historical precedent of this is there is a director of the census that works for the secretary of commerce, the president, and also works closely with the White House to ensure a timely and accurate count. And that's what we have in this instance.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BAIER: Hmm. It is the Friday lightning round. We will start with a topic, one topic about the census, the 2010 census, being taken out of the Commerce Department, essentially, and put into oversight at the White House.
We will start with this topic — Bill Sammon?
SAMMON: Think about this. The Commerce Department has always had the Census Bureau for many years, because you're supposed to insulate the Census Bureau from politics.
Every ten years we take a census, and the results have great significance. You redraw the congressional districts so it impacts political power, and you distribute federal dollars based on population.
So it's a political football. What do they do? They take it away from Judd Gregg, the newly minted nominee for Commerce, and put it in, presumably, Rahm Emanuel's portfolio, which is very alarming.
BAIER: Juan?
WILLIAMS: Politics? The census has always been about politics. And what we have here are Latino officials who are concerned that Judd Gregg was going to be in charged, and they said that when Judd Gregg was in the Senate, he was not supportive of making sure there were enough officials to get the census. This will redraw distributes, it has political consequences. So I don't see any problem with bringing it to the White House. It just makes official what we have all known—it's political.
KRAUTHAMMER: You will make it un-political by sticking it in the White House? That sounds illogical to me.
The constitution has a lot of "shall nots" about Congress and the executive. One of the rare items it demands is a census, and it expects that it would be objective, and it ought to be Commerce.
White House control over US Census worries Utah
Utah's worried about recent White House-led events to move the Census Bureau from under the purview of the Commerce Department. In 2000, Utah missed gaining a Congressional seat by merely a few hundred votes - so whether the Census is led by the White House or the Commerce Department, the important thing is that all Mississippians stand up and be counted!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Are you ready for a Census fight, Chicago style?
...or so the Washington Post asks. The Census should remain independent of politics, as noted by the Sleuth's entry, but will it? Stay tuned.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Gregg mum on Census Bureau
Apparently Judd Gregg, Obama's pick to head the Commerce Department, is tight-lipped when it comes to the Census. Read more here.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The NY Times asks, what about the Census?
Apparently the NY Times can't figure out why President Obama has nominated Republican Senator Judd Gregg to serve as his Secretary of Commerce.
White House to bypass Commerce on Census?
CQ Politics is reporting that the U.S. Census Bureau will report directly to the White House, and not to the Secretary of Commerce, according to a "senior White House official."
This is a strange twist - keep watching for further updates. Historically, the Census Bureau is folded within the Department of Commerce. Why the change? Glenn Thrush of Politico has his own ideas.
**Thrush updated his blog, with a congressman's take on the issue.
Even the White House weighs in via spokesman Ben LaBolt:
"From the first days of the transition, the Census has been a priority for the President, and a process he wanted to reevaluate. There is historic precedent for the director of the Census, who works for the Commerce Secretary and the President, to work closely with White House senior management -- given the number of decisions that will have to be put before the President. We plan to return to that model in this administration.”
This is a strange twist - keep watching for further updates. Historically, the Census Bureau is folded within the Department of Commerce. Why the change? Glenn Thrush of Politico has his own ideas.
**Thrush updated his blog, with a congressman's take on the issue.
Even the White House weighs in via spokesman Ben LaBolt:
"From the first days of the transition, the Census has been a priority for the President, and a process he wanted to reevaluate. There is historic precedent for the director of the Census, who works for the Commerce Secretary and the President, to work closely with White House senior management -- given the number of decisions that will have to be put before the President. We plan to return to that model in this administration.”
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Greenwood prepares for Census
Residents of Greenwood, MS are urged to prepare for the upcoming Census.
City, county must prepare for Census
By Bob Darden
Greenwood and Leflore County must do what they can to ensure that everyone is accurately counted in the 2010 Census, an official with the U.S. Census Bureau said Tuesday.
“Being counted is very important to everyday citizens as well as to local governments because $300 billion in appropriated every year based on Census numbers,” said Alicia Netterville, a partnership specialist with the bureau. “Local decision making and community planning is decided using Census numbers, and our voice in Congress is decided using Census numbers.”
Netterville spoke to the Greenwood City Council on Tuesday.
She said the partnership focus is intended to help communities increase their Census response rates.
For the 2000 Census, Leflore County’s response rate was 60 percent, and Greenwood’s was 62 percent. The national average response rate was 65 percent, she said.
Netterville called for the formation of a “Complete Count Committee,” which would include government, education, media, religious and community-based organizations. Other interested parties would be those interested in business recruiting and those familiar with “special housing.”
The Census Bureau is lining up paid workers for “address canvassing,” since the Census is based upon households.
She said applicants for those positions may call 1-866-861-2010 to get the hiring process started. Testing for those jobs, and later, for Census enumerators — those who actually count people — will take place at the Greenwood WIN Job Center.
It is hoped that the candidates applying for such positions will include the elderly, black males and those with suffering from high rates of poverty, Netterville said: “The Census Bureau wants to employ people from their very own communities.”
City, county must prepare for Census
By Bob Darden
Greenwood and Leflore County must do what they can to ensure that everyone is accurately counted in the 2010 Census, an official with the U.S. Census Bureau said Tuesday.
“Being counted is very important to everyday citizens as well as to local governments because $300 billion in appropriated every year based on Census numbers,” said Alicia Netterville, a partnership specialist with the bureau. “Local decision making and community planning is decided using Census numbers, and our voice in Congress is decided using Census numbers.”
Netterville spoke to the Greenwood City Council on Tuesday.
She said the partnership focus is intended to help communities increase their Census response rates.
For the 2000 Census, Leflore County’s response rate was 60 percent, and Greenwood’s was 62 percent. The national average response rate was 65 percent, she said.
Netterville called for the formation of a “Complete Count Committee,” which would include government, education, media, religious and community-based organizations. Other interested parties would be those interested in business recruiting and those familiar with “special housing.”
The Census Bureau is lining up paid workers for “address canvassing,” since the Census is based upon households.
She said applicants for those positions may call 1-866-861-2010 to get the hiring process started. Testing for those jobs, and later, for Census enumerators — those who actually count people — will take place at the Greenwood WIN Job Center.
It is hoped that the candidates applying for such positions will include the elderly, black males and those with suffering from high rates of poverty, Netterville said: “The Census Bureau wants to employ people from their very own communities.”
The Census - sampling vs. headcount
U.S. News and World Report blogger Michael Barone discusses the usage of sampling versus actual headcounts to redistrict legislative districts, as well as gives a brief overview of the Census's political history. It's an interesting piece with an interesting perspective.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
