From the AP:
WASHINGTON (AP) — New Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on Monday exhorted census volunteers to boost outreach in hard-to-count communities as a top lawmaker urged the government to halt immigration raids to ensure an accurate count.
Speaking at a Census Bureau training conference, Locke and Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo., tried to allay fears in Hispanic and Asian communities where immigrants often mistake census workers for tax collectors or law enforcement officials.
"It is your familiar, trusted voices that will help us succeed in educating residents about the census," Locke, who is Asian-American, said in his first public appearance since taking office.
Without specifically mentioning immigration, Locke stressed that personal information in the census form will remain confidential. Clay went a step further, urging the partnership groups, ranging from the AFL-CIO and Coca-Cola to the NAACP and Vote Latino, to expose any "sinister tricks" to dissuade immigrants from completing their census forms.
There are nearly 12 million illegal immigrants in the U.S., many of them clustered in states such as California, New York, Florida and Texas, which stand to either lose House seats or gain fewer seats depending on whether their Hispanic communities are fully counted.
Speaking to The Associated Press afterward, Clay said he planned to push the Obama administration to halt raids next year, noting that immigration officials did so during the 2000 census.
"It think it should be repeated to tamp down on any fears the immigrant population might have on certain raids, whether they are here legally or not," said Clay, who chairs the House subcommittee overseeing the census.
"They don't want that hanging over them," he said.
In 2000, immigration officials at the request of the Census Bureau informally agreed to not conduct large-scale immigration raids. The bureau two years ago asked the Homeland Security Department to hold off again in 2010, but was rejected by the Bush administration, which said it would continue to enforce federal laws.
Locke left before Clay made his comments about halting raids. A spokeswoman for Locke on Monday declined to comment, referring the inquiry to the census bureau.
"We do not have plans currently to renew the request," said Stephen Buckner, a spokesman for the bureau, explaining that the agency's focus was to improve the count with increased ad campaigns and stronger partnerships with trusted leaders in the Hispanic community.
"If sentiment changes, or there appears to be increasing challenges in the count based on what happens down the road, we might be open to reevaluating that," Buckner said.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Lamar County population sees surge since 2000 Census
Lamar County's population has grown to 49,121 since 2000 - U.S. Census Bureau data says it is one of state's fastest growing counties...according to the Hattiesburg American. Read more below...
From the story:
To say Lamar County's population has grown since 2000 is an understatement.
Lamar County's increase is an eye-opener, with a 25.7 percent increase from 39,068 to 49,121 since 2000, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Next to DeSoto County's 44 percent growth, it is one of Mississippi's fastest growing counties.
Lamar County Administrator Chuck Bennett said many factors are at work in explaining the county's growth, which has been continuous in its rapidity for nearly 40 years. The attractiveness of the Hattiesburg region has been a significant factor, he said, bolstering Lamar County's population at a higher percentage than Forrest County because it had more room to expand.
"All we're doing is catching up a little," he said, citing Oak Grove and Sumrall as two areas of particular growth.
Bennett uses the phrase "managing the growth" to describe the challenges facing Lamar County. Law enforcement is one area that will require attention.
"We need to stay on top of youth detention. We're not on the point of needing a jail, but that's something we're going to need to stay right on top of," he said.
Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel said an increase in population means an increase in law enforcement. The county has boosted its number of deputies from 24 to 40 in the past five years and is aggressively looking at grants to help put extra officers on the roads.
"We look forward to the growth," he said. "But at the same time, it's one of those things you have to plan for."
From the story:
To say Lamar County's population has grown since 2000 is an understatement.
Lamar County's increase is an eye-opener, with a 25.7 percent increase from 39,068 to 49,121 since 2000, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Next to DeSoto County's 44 percent growth, it is one of Mississippi's fastest growing counties.
Lamar County Administrator Chuck Bennett said many factors are at work in explaining the county's growth, which has been continuous in its rapidity for nearly 40 years. The attractiveness of the Hattiesburg region has been a significant factor, he said, bolstering Lamar County's population at a higher percentage than Forrest County because it had more room to expand.
"All we're doing is catching up a little," he said, citing Oak Grove and Sumrall as two areas of particular growth.
Bennett uses the phrase "managing the growth" to describe the challenges facing Lamar County. Law enforcement is one area that will require attention.
"We need to stay on top of youth detention. We're not on the point of needing a jail, but that's something we're going to need to stay right on top of," he said.
Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel said an increase in population means an increase in law enforcement. The county has boosted its number of deputies from 24 to 40 in the past five years and is aggressively looking at grants to help put extra officers on the roads.
"We look forward to the growth," he said. "But at the same time, it's one of those things you have to plan for."
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Census prep - going nuts?
Mississippi-based OneNewsNow is reporting on the Census's recent "nutty" actions. From ONN - "2010 Census attracting nuts"... They are, of course, referring to controversial group ACORN.
From the story:
A conservative congressman is concerned that liberal special-interest groups like the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN, will be allowed to "gerrymander" the 2010 census. ACORN recently signed on as a national partner with the U.S. Census Bureau to assist with recruiting temporary census workers.
Last week in a House Judiciary Committee hearing, a Pittsburgh Republican lawyer accused ACORN of violating tax and campaign-finance laws by, among other things, using the Obama campaign's list of "maxed-out" campaign donors so ACORN could seek money from the Obama donors for a get-out-the-vote drive. During the 2008 presidential campaign, numerous allegations of voter registration fraud were swirling around ACORN.
Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-Georgia) is a member of the House census subcommittee and chairs a census task force created by Minority Leader John Boehner. Westmoreland says ACORN's involvement in the census is due in large part to the fact that their former attorney has taken up residence in the White House.
"You have to realize that President Obama used to represent ACORN," he notes. "In fact, he represented them in an Illinois case that said certain banks in Illinois were not doing enough lending to people who could not afford a mortgage, and therefore [he] is one of the main reasons that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lowered their guidelines for people to get loans under this Community Redevelopment Act."
From the story:
A conservative congressman is concerned that liberal special-interest groups like the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN, will be allowed to "gerrymander" the 2010 census. ACORN recently signed on as a national partner with the U.S. Census Bureau to assist with recruiting temporary census workers.
Last week in a House Judiciary Committee hearing, a Pittsburgh Republican lawyer accused ACORN of violating tax and campaign-finance laws by, among other things, using the Obama campaign's list of "maxed-out" campaign donors so ACORN could seek money from the Obama donors for a get-out-the-vote drive. During the 2008 presidential campaign, numerous allegations of voter registration fraud were swirling around ACORN.
Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-Georgia) is a member of the House census subcommittee and chairs a census task force created by Minority Leader John Boehner. Westmoreland says ACORN's involvement in the census is due in large part to the fact that their former attorney has taken up residence in the White House.
"You have to realize that President Obama used to represent ACORN," he notes. "In fact, he represented them in an Illinois case that said certain banks in Illinois were not doing enough lending to people who could not afford a mortgage, and therefore [he] is one of the main reasons that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lowered their guidelines for people to get loans under this Community Redevelopment Act."
Woeful Census?
NPR reports that the economic downturn adds woes to an already-woeful Census...
In a nutshell: A year from now, the U.S. will conduct its decennial population count. The findings are used to re-apportion congressional districts, disburse federal funding — even decide where new traffic lights go. But the economic crisis threatens to make this daunting task even harder. There is special concern about minority groups, which are traditionally hard to count.
In a nutshell: A year from now, the U.S. will conduct its decennial population count. The findings are used to re-apportion congressional districts, disburse federal funding — even decide where new traffic lights go. But the economic crisis threatens to make this daunting task even harder. There is special concern about minority groups, which are traditionally hard to count.
Locke confirmed as Commerce Secretary - third time's the charm, huh?
Gov. Gary Locke of Washington state was confirmed late last night as Commerce Secretary. Read more at the NY Times blog.
Locke was the third in a series of Obama picks for the post, but as they say, third time's the charm. (Note: Gov. Bill Richardson removed his name from consideration due to legal troubles, and Senator Judd Gregg withdrew his name citing philosophical differences between himself and Obama, as well as a controversy over who controls the Census.)
Locke was the third in a series of Obama picks for the post, but as they say, third time's the charm. (Note: Gov. Bill Richardson removed his name from consideration due to legal troubles, and Senator Judd Gregg withdrew his name citing philosophical differences between himself and Obama, as well as a controversy over who controls the Census.)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Latest Census estimates show positive growth for Mississippi's Gulf Coast
According to the latest estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau, all six of Mississippi's Gulf Coastal counties gained residents from July 1, 2007 through July 1, 2008. In short:
• George County saw an increase of 470, which represents a 2.14% increase with a total of 22,406 residents. Within MS, George County had the 5th highest percentage change in population growth.
• Hancock County saw an increase of 399, which represents an increase of 1.0% percent with a total of 40,140 residents. Within MS, Hancock County had the 19th highest percentage change in population growth.
• Harrison County saw an increase of 2,094, which represents a 1.187% increase with a total of 178,460 residents. Within MS, Harrison County had the 10th highest percentage change in population growth.
• Jackson County saw an increase of 493, which represents a 0.37% increase with a total of 130,694 residents. Within MS, Jackson County had the 38th highest percentage change in population growth.
• Pearl River County saw an increase of 459, which represents a 0.8% increase with a total of 57,466 residents. Within MS, Pearl River County had the 23rd highest percentage change in population.
• Stone County saw an increase of 476, which represents a 3.06% increase with a total population of 16,025. Within MS, Stone County had the 3rd highest percentage change in population growth.
Statewide, Mississippi experienced slight growth of about 0.6%, up to 2.93 million residents.
• George County saw an increase of 470, which represents a 2.14% increase with a total of 22,406 residents. Within MS, George County had the 5th highest percentage change in population growth.
• Hancock County saw an increase of 399, which represents an increase of 1.0% percent with a total of 40,140 residents. Within MS, Hancock County had the 19th highest percentage change in population growth.
• Harrison County saw an increase of 2,094, which represents a 1.187% increase with a total of 178,460 residents. Within MS, Harrison County had the 10th highest percentage change in population growth.
• Jackson County saw an increase of 493, which represents a 0.37% increase with a total of 130,694 residents. Within MS, Jackson County had the 38th highest percentage change in population growth.
• Pearl River County saw an increase of 459, which represents a 0.8% increase with a total of 57,466 residents. Within MS, Pearl River County had the 23rd highest percentage change in population.
• Stone County saw an increase of 476, which represents a 3.06% increase with a total population of 16,025. Within MS, Stone County had the 3rd highest percentage change in population growth.
Statewide, Mississippi experienced slight growth of about 0.6%, up to 2.93 million residents.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Jones County urges Complete Count in 2010 Census
2010 census critical to Mississippi, says Jones County resident and Board of Supervisors President Andy Dial in the Laurel Leader Call.
An inaccurate census count could cost the state of Mississippi a Congressional seat and a loss of funding, according to Jones County Board of Supervisors President Andy Dial.
“If we have a short count this year, we could lose another seat and that will leave us with only three Congressmen and even less money,” he said. “We can’t afford for that to happen.”
That’s why Dial signed a commitment to work with Diann Chapman to make sure a complete census is taken in Jones County. While he cannot guarantee that everyone in the county will participate in the census, he wants to educate as many people as possible about the importance of the census.
Chapman, partnership specialist for the Dallas Regional Census Center, told board members this week that only 63 percent of Mississippians participated in the 2000 Census. As a result, the state lost 37 percent of its federal funding.
“Mississippi may not have the growth that some of the other states have, but Mississippi has seen growth,” she said. “Our job is to show that growth in the numbers.
“If we get 30 percent of the 37 percent who did not participate in the 2000 Census to participate in the 2010 Census, it would make a big difference. We need your help to make that happen,” she told the Supervisors.
Board member Jerome Wyatt informed Chapman that it will be an uphill battle. He said many people do not participate in the census because of fear that the numbers will be used against them.
Board member Barry Saul, who has a large Hispanic population in Beat Three, stressed similar concerns. “The last census showed that Jones County had about 3,000 Hispanics,” said Saul. “I have about 3,000 Hispanics in just one of my communities.”
Dial estimates the number of Hispanics living in the county to be about 15,000. Because some may be illegals, people are not going to give an accurate number of those living in their household. “That’s even if they participate at all,” he said.
Chapman said people should know that any information given to the United States Census Bureau will not be shared with any other agency. “All we want are the numbers,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you are in the country illegally or not. The information will not be available to anyone except the census bureau.”
Chapman will work with supervisors to establish a “Complete Count Committee” which will consist of a team of community leaders. This committee will implement a 2010 Census Awareness Campaign to get county residents to complete the 2010 Census questionnaire in a timely and accurate manner.
“We need everyone’s participation,” said Dial.
An inaccurate census count could cost the state of Mississippi a Congressional seat and a loss of funding, according to Jones County Board of Supervisors President Andy Dial.
“If we have a short count this year, we could lose another seat and that will leave us with only three Congressmen and even less money,” he said. “We can’t afford for that to happen.”
That’s why Dial signed a commitment to work with Diann Chapman to make sure a complete census is taken in Jones County. While he cannot guarantee that everyone in the county will participate in the census, he wants to educate as many people as possible about the importance of the census.
Chapman, partnership specialist for the Dallas Regional Census Center, told board members this week that only 63 percent of Mississippians participated in the 2000 Census. As a result, the state lost 37 percent of its federal funding.
“Mississippi may not have the growth that some of the other states have, but Mississippi has seen growth,” she said. “Our job is to show that growth in the numbers.
“If we get 30 percent of the 37 percent who did not participate in the 2000 Census to participate in the 2010 Census, it would make a big difference. We need your help to make that happen,” she told the Supervisors.
Board member Jerome Wyatt informed Chapman that it will be an uphill battle. He said many people do not participate in the census because of fear that the numbers will be used against them.
Board member Barry Saul, who has a large Hispanic population in Beat Three, stressed similar concerns. “The last census showed that Jones County had about 3,000 Hispanics,” said Saul. “I have about 3,000 Hispanics in just one of my communities.”
Dial estimates the number of Hispanics living in the county to be about 15,000. Because some may be illegals, people are not going to give an accurate number of those living in their household. “That’s even if they participate at all,” he said.
Chapman said people should know that any information given to the United States Census Bureau will not be shared with any other agency. “All we want are the numbers,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you are in the country illegally or not. The information will not be available to anyone except the census bureau.”
Chapman will work with supervisors to establish a “Complete Count Committee” which will consist of a team of community leaders. This committee will implement a 2010 Census Awareness Campaign to get county residents to complete the 2010 Census questionnaire in a timely and accurate manner.
“We need everyone’s participation,” said Dial.
Census officials: Don't count DeSoto County out
The DeSoto Times Today discusses the upcoming 2010 Census...
DESOTO COUNTY — DeSoto Countians responded to the last U.S. Census in 2000 at a rate about 6 percent below the national average.
U.S. Census official Alicia Netterville said she doesn’t want to see that happen again next year when the 2010 Census gets under way.
Netterville said census figures are critically important in determining representation in the U.S. Congress and in calculating formulas involving a whole array of federal programs.
Sixty-two percent of DeSoto Countians returned census forms in the last census. The national average is 68 percent.
DESOTO COUNTY — DeSoto Countians responded to the last U.S. Census in 2000 at a rate about 6 percent below the national average.
U.S. Census official Alicia Netterville said she doesn’t want to see that happen again next year when the 2010 Census gets under way.
Netterville said census figures are critically important in determining representation in the U.S. Congress and in calculating formulas involving a whole array of federal programs.
Sixty-two percent of DeSoto Countians returned census forms in the last census. The national average is 68 percent.
ACORN to play role in 2010 Census
This just in: ACORN, who is best known for its voter fraud scandal, has become an official partner with the 2010 Census. Interesting.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
More census response sought from DeSoto residents
From the Commercial Appeal:
DeSoto County residents were less responsive to the 2000 census than the national average, and census officials are hoping for improved response in next year's census.
The 2010 Census goes out April 1, 2010, but Census Bureau officials are asking for local support from political leaders, churches, media and civic organizations.
"The census is important for redistricting, but it is also important because of the way money is divided up among different communities," said Alicia Netterville with the Census Bureau offices in Jackson.
She asked the Board of Supervisors Monday to create a Complete Council Meeting that would include representatives from different churches and other organizations aimed at increasing response to census questionnaires.
"The response level for DeSoto County was 62 percent (in 2000) while the national response rate was 67 percent," she said.
The questionnaire to be used next year has been streamlined to only 10 questions, she added.
The Board of Supervisors approved establishing a Complete Council Meeting and designated County Administrator Michael Garriga as the chairman.
Meanwhile, Netterville said anyone interested in working on the 2010 Census should call 1-866-861-2010, the 2010 Census Jobs Line.
"We already have a pool of available workers identified, but jobs are available for some areas," she said.
DeSoto County residents were less responsive to the 2000 census than the national average, and census officials are hoping for improved response in next year's census.
The 2010 Census goes out April 1, 2010, but Census Bureau officials are asking for local support from political leaders, churches, media and civic organizations.
"The census is important for redistricting, but it is also important because of the way money is divided up among different communities," said Alicia Netterville with the Census Bureau offices in Jackson.
She asked the Board of Supervisors Monday to create a Complete Council Meeting that would include representatives from different churches and other organizations aimed at increasing response to census questionnaires.
"The response level for DeSoto County was 62 percent (in 2000) while the national response rate was 67 percent," she said.
The questionnaire to be used next year has been streamlined to only 10 questions, she added.
The Board of Supervisors approved establishing a Complete Council Meeting and designated County Administrator Michael Garriga as the chairman.
Meanwhile, Netterville said anyone interested in working on the 2010 Census should call 1-866-861-2010, the 2010 Census Jobs Line.
"We already have a pool of available workers identified, but jobs are available for some areas," she said.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
More on the latest Supreme Court ruling re: Voting Rights Act and redistricting
From George Will, who agrees with the latest ruling by the US Supreme Court on its interpretation of Section Two of the Voting Rights Act, or VRA.
A snippet of his thoughts...
During Reconstruction, Mississippi created a "shoestring" congressional district, sweeping so many blacks into a narrow district along the river that other districts had comfortably large white majorities. This was racial gerrymandering deplored by liberals.
After the 1990 Census determined that North Carolina was 22 percent black, the state's redistricting created a black-majority congressional district. President George H.W. Bush's Justice Department deemed this insufficient under the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Hence the creation of North Carolina's 12th District, which slithers 160 miles down Interstate 85. This was racial gerrymandering applauded by liberals. And by cynical Republicans. While preening about their civil rights sensitivity, Republicans could concentrate black voters into electoral ghettos, thereby making contiguous districts more Republican.
Last week, two days after the 44th anniversary of the Selma march that helped pass the 1965 act, the Supreme Court took a timid step toward limiting the perverse use of that act to create political set-asides -- elective offices to which certain preferred minorities are entitled. Last week's ruling revisits the strange career of racial gerrymandering -- how that practice went from execrable to virtuous to mandatory and became yet another manifestation of the entitlement mentality.
The 1965 legislation was enacted to combat racial discrimination that denied equal access to voting. Because of judicial interpretations and legislative amendments, it now requires racial discrimination in the name of guaranteeing effective voting by certain preferred minorities (blacks and Hispanics). Effectiveness is understood as successful racial or ethnic bloc voting, with success understood as electing members of those blocs. Such results -- minorities electing minority candidates -- have come to be regarded as necessary and sufficient proof of real voting rights.
A snippet of his thoughts...
During Reconstruction, Mississippi created a "shoestring" congressional district, sweeping so many blacks into a narrow district along the river that other districts had comfortably large white majorities. This was racial gerrymandering deplored by liberals.
After the 1990 Census determined that North Carolina was 22 percent black, the state's redistricting created a black-majority congressional district. President George H.W. Bush's Justice Department deemed this insufficient under the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Hence the creation of North Carolina's 12th District, which slithers 160 miles down Interstate 85. This was racial gerrymandering applauded by liberals. And by cynical Republicans. While preening about their civil rights sensitivity, Republicans could concentrate black voters into electoral ghettos, thereby making contiguous districts more Republican.
Last week, two days after the 44th anniversary of the Selma march that helped pass the 1965 act, the Supreme Court took a timid step toward limiting the perverse use of that act to create political set-asides -- elective offices to which certain preferred minorities are entitled. Last week's ruling revisits the strange career of racial gerrymandering -- how that practice went from execrable to virtuous to mandatory and became yet another manifestation of the entitlement mentality.
The 1965 legislation was enacted to combat racial discrimination that denied equal access to voting. Because of judicial interpretations and legislative amendments, it now requires racial discrimination in the name of guaranteeing effective voting by certain preferred minorities (blacks and Hispanics). Effectiveness is understood as successful racial or ethnic bloc voting, with success understood as electing members of those blocs. Such results -- minorities electing minority candidates -- have come to be regarded as necessary and sufficient proof of real voting rights.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Mississippians comment on 2010 Census
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker:
"The 2010 census will have a direct impact on the amount of federal funds our state receives."
Clinton Mayor Rosemary Aultman:
"So many programs that are available to us are based on the recorded population numbers. For example, many grants and special revenues are appropriated based on population counts. Over a period of 10 years, which is the time between census, having a short count can add up to significant monies that are lost."
Dr. Ron Howard, Mississippi College:
"The census is as old as any kind of government. Historically, it is what governments have used to determine taxation. [In the United States] there is so much emphasis on the census because we are a representative democracy. Congressional representation is apportioned according to the census. If we lose population, we lose clout in Congress."
Read more in today's Clinton News.
"The 2010 census will have a direct impact on the amount of federal funds our state receives."
Clinton Mayor Rosemary Aultman:
"So many programs that are available to us are based on the recorded population numbers. For example, many grants and special revenues are appropriated based on population counts. Over a period of 10 years, which is the time between census, having a short count can add up to significant monies that are lost."
Dr. Ron Howard, Mississippi College:
"The census is as old as any kind of government. Historically, it is what governments have used to determine taxation. [In the United States] there is so much emphasis on the census because we are a representative democracy. Congressional representation is apportioned according to the census. If we lose population, we lose clout in Congress."
Read more in today's Clinton News.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
White House changes tone on Census oversight
Today Fox News reported the White House appeared to changing its tone regarding oversight of the 2010 Census.
Washington was in a fury over recent comments by White House officials suggesting the Census Chief would report directly to Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. But here are more recent comments, which seem to suggest a subtle change of tone:
"The president wants to ensure that the census conducts a fair and accurate count. The census director will report to the commerce secretary," White House spokesman Benjamin La Bolt said in a statement.
"Like in every census under Democratic or Republican administrations there will be interest in Congress and at the White House in this national priority," La Bolt added.
Washington was in a fury over recent comments by White House officials suggesting the Census Chief would report directly to Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. But here are more recent comments, which seem to suggest a subtle change of tone:
"The president wants to ensure that the census conducts a fair and accurate count. The census director will report to the commerce secretary," White House spokesman Benjamin La Bolt said in a statement.
"Like in every census under Democratic or Republican administrations there will be interest in Congress and at the White House in this national priority," La Bolt added.
Stimulus boosted by temp Census jobs; applicants at all-time high
You'll have tough competition if you're looking to find work with the Census, reports Bloomberg News. And, the Census just might help boost the President's stimulus plan, since it will put a significant number of people to work immediately.
From the story:
The 2010 U.S. census may provide an extra kick to the U.S. economy, just as the effects of President Barack Obama’s $787 billion stimulus plan start to take hold.
The census will put more than 1.4 million people on the federal payroll over the next year, making it the largest peacetime government jobs program ever, according to the Census Bureau. The first 140,000 will start work in April. Most of the rest will be hired early in 2010.
The jobs, though temporary, may ease some of the pain in a labor market where almost 3 million have been put out of work in the last five months. The Census Bureau will spend about half its $14 billion budget for the 2010 headcount on personnel, including jobs that pay $10 to $25 an hour and last several weeks to several months.
“From a timing standpoint you couldn’t do better,” said Christopher Low, chief economist at FTN Financial in New York. “You’re adding workers at a time when we need anything we can get to offset the weakness in payrolls.”
The search for census takers before the last headcount, in 2000, strained a tight job market. That’s hardly a problem this time around, with unemployment at a 25-year high of 8.1 percent and economists forecasting the rate will average 9 percent next year. Already the Census Bureau has more than 900,000 applicants for the jobs to be filled in April, or more than six applications for every opening.
“This is probably the most successful recruiting we’ve had in the last four censuses,” said Marilia Matos, the Census Bureau’s associate director for field operations. “Many people are looking for work.”
From the story:
The 2010 U.S. census may provide an extra kick to the U.S. economy, just as the effects of President Barack Obama’s $787 billion stimulus plan start to take hold.
The census will put more than 1.4 million people on the federal payroll over the next year, making it the largest peacetime government jobs program ever, according to the Census Bureau. The first 140,000 will start work in April. Most of the rest will be hired early in 2010.
The jobs, though temporary, may ease some of the pain in a labor market where almost 3 million have been put out of work in the last five months. The Census Bureau will spend about half its $14 billion budget for the 2010 headcount on personnel, including jobs that pay $10 to $25 an hour and last several weeks to several months.
“From a timing standpoint you couldn’t do better,” said Christopher Low, chief economist at FTN Financial in New York. “You’re adding workers at a time when we need anything we can get to offset the weakness in payrolls.”
The search for census takers before the last headcount, in 2000, strained a tight job market. That’s hardly a problem this time around, with unemployment at a 25-year high of 8.1 percent and economists forecasting the rate will average 9 percent next year. Already the Census Bureau has more than 900,000 applicants for the jobs to be filled in April, or more than six applications for every opening.
“This is probably the most successful recruiting we’ve had in the last four censuses,” said Marilia Matos, the Census Bureau’s associate director for field operations. “Many people are looking for work.”
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Supreme Court decision could affect 2010 Census redistricting
The Christian Science Monitor reported today the Supreme Court rejected a claim that so-called minority crossover districts qualify for protection under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). The decision was 5 to 4.
From the story...
The federal Voting Rights Act does not authorize vote dilution lawsuits in voting districts in which a particular racial or ethnic group comprises less than 50 percent of the voting age population.
In a 5 to 4 decision announced on Monday, the US Supreme Court rejected a claim that so-called minority crossover districts qualify for protection under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). Instead, the court's conservative wing embraced a narrow view of the law.
Crossover districts are those in which a cohesive minority voting population can elect candidates of its choice by forming a coalition with cross-over votes from whites or other non-minority voters.
The case is important because it establishes ground rules that will apply nationwide during the redrawing of voting districts following the 2010 census. It could result in a reduction of minority districts by encouraging district drafters to pack traditional minority districts with more than 50 percent minority voters, rather than aiming for widespread distribution across several voting districts.
The decision comes in a case challenging the creation of North Carolina's House District 18. State officials tasked with redrawing North Carolina's voting map found themselves caught between two competing laws.
The VRA mandates that new districts may not be drawn in such a way as to dilute the existing political clout of minority voters in minority voting districts. But North Carolina has a law requiring that counties not be split up within voting districts.
State officials discovered that if they adhered to the "whole county provision" of state law, the minority voting age population in District 18 would be reduced from 39 percent to 35 percent.
From the story...
The federal Voting Rights Act does not authorize vote dilution lawsuits in voting districts in which a particular racial or ethnic group comprises less than 50 percent of the voting age population.
In a 5 to 4 decision announced on Monday, the US Supreme Court rejected a claim that so-called minority crossover districts qualify for protection under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). Instead, the court's conservative wing embraced a narrow view of the law.
Crossover districts are those in which a cohesive minority voting population can elect candidates of its choice by forming a coalition with cross-over votes from whites or other non-minority voters.
The case is important because it establishes ground rules that will apply nationwide during the redrawing of voting districts following the 2010 census. It could result in a reduction of minority districts by encouraging district drafters to pack traditional minority districts with more than 50 percent minority voters, rather than aiming for widespread distribution across several voting districts.
The decision comes in a case challenging the creation of North Carolina's House District 18. State officials tasked with redrawing North Carolina's voting map found themselves caught between two competing laws.
The VRA mandates that new districts may not be drawn in such a way as to dilute the existing political clout of minority voters in minority voting districts. But North Carolina has a law requiring that counties not be split up within voting districts.
State officials discovered that if they adhered to the "whole county provision" of state law, the minority voting age population in District 18 would be reduced from 39 percent to 35 percent.
Monday, March 9, 2009
GAO reports on Census 2010
Straight from the Government Accountability Office:
Fundamental building blocks of successful enumeration face challenges....
Little time remains to address operational challenges...
Check it out.
Fundamental building blocks of successful enumeration face challenges....
Little time remains to address operational challenges...
Check it out.
Friday, March 6, 2009
2010 Census "imperiled" by problems, could cost $15B
Today's Washington Post described the problems plaguing the Census Bureau for its upcoming 2010, based on a Government Accoutability Office report.
A snippet:
The accuracy of the 2010 Census remains threatened by computer problems and untested methods the Census Bureau plans to use for conducting the count, according to testimony yesterday from the Government Accountability Office.
The GAO assessment, presented at House and Senate hearings on the progress of census preparations, warns that with census day set for April 1, 2010, the bureau is behind schedule. "With little time remaining, uncertainties surround the bureau's readiness for 2010," according to Robert Goldenkoff, director of strategic issues for the GAO.
The census, mandated by the Constitution to be conducted every 10 years, is used to apportion seats in Congress, redraw congressional districts and allocate billions of dollars in federal assistance to state and local governments, making its accuracy critical.
The cost of the 2010 Census could reach $15 billion by the time of its completion in 2012, according to testimony yesterday. That would make it the most expensive head count in American history, even adjusted for inflation.
A snippet:
The accuracy of the 2010 Census remains threatened by computer problems and untested methods the Census Bureau plans to use for conducting the count, according to testimony yesterday from the Government Accountability Office.
The GAO assessment, presented at House and Senate hearings on the progress of census preparations, warns that with census day set for April 1, 2010, the bureau is behind schedule. "With little time remaining, uncertainties surround the bureau's readiness for 2010," according to Robert Goldenkoff, director of strategic issues for the GAO.
The census, mandated by the Constitution to be conducted every 10 years, is used to apportion seats in Congress, redraw congressional districts and allocate billions of dollars in federal assistance to state and local governments, making its accuracy critical.
The cost of the 2010 Census could reach $15 billion by the time of its completion in 2012, according to testimony yesterday. That would make it the most expensive head count in American history, even adjusted for inflation.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thursday news roundup
Commerce nominee pledges independence from White House for 2010 Census (see snippet #1)... Hispanics make up 1/5 of K-12 students in America; will be majority by 2023... (See snippet #2)
Snippet 1:
Commerce Secretary nominee Gary Locke has pledged to senators that the White House will not assert greater control of next year's national head count.
Under pressure from concerned lawmakers, Locke insisted the 2010 census would be overseen by his department, an aide to Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, told FOXNews.com on Thursday.
Republicans have been fighting Obama's plan to have the next Census Bureau director report to both the commerce secretary and White House senior officials. The decennial census has deep political implications because it is used to redraw congressional districts.
Snippet 2:
Roughly one-fourth of the nation's kindergartners are Hispanic, evidence of an accelerating trend that now will see minority children become the majority by 2023.
Census data released Thursday also showed that Hispanics make up about one-fifth of all K-12 students. Hispanics' growth and changes in the youth population are certain to influence political debate, from jobs and immigration to the No Child Left Behind education, for years.
The ethnic shifts in school enrollment are most evident in the West. States such as Arizona, California and Nevada are seeing an influx of Hispanics due to immigration and higher birth rates.
Minority students in that region exceed non-Hispanic whites at the pre-college grade levels, with about 37% of the students Hispanic. Hispanics make up 54% of the students in New Mexico, 47% in California, 44% in Texas and 40% in Arizona.
In 2007, more than 40% of all students in K-12 were minorities — Hispanics, blacks, Asian-Americans and others. That's double the percentage of three decades ago.
Snippet 1:
Commerce Secretary nominee Gary Locke has pledged to senators that the White House will not assert greater control of next year's national head count.
Under pressure from concerned lawmakers, Locke insisted the 2010 census would be overseen by his department, an aide to Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, told FOXNews.com on Thursday.
Republicans have been fighting Obama's plan to have the next Census Bureau director report to both the commerce secretary and White House senior officials. The decennial census has deep political implications because it is used to redraw congressional districts.
Snippet 2:
Roughly one-fourth of the nation's kindergartners are Hispanic, evidence of an accelerating trend that now will see minority children become the majority by 2023.
Census data released Thursday also showed that Hispanics make up about one-fifth of all K-12 students. Hispanics' growth and changes in the youth population are certain to influence political debate, from jobs and immigration to the No Child Left Behind education, for years.
The ethnic shifts in school enrollment are most evident in the West. States such as Arizona, California and Nevada are seeing an influx of Hispanics due to immigration and higher birth rates.
Minority students in that region exceed non-Hispanic whites at the pre-college grade levels, with about 37% of the students Hispanic. Hispanics make up 54% of the students in New Mexico, 47% in California, 44% in Texas and 40% in Arizona.
In 2007, more than 40% of all students in K-12 were minorities — Hispanics, blacks, Asian-Americans and others. That's double the percentage of three decades ago.
Census 2010 prep behind schedule
According to an AP report in today's Clarion Ledger, the Census Bureau is behind schedule in preparing for the upcoming 2010 count.
From the story...
With the 2010 census fast approaching, computer glitches, operational missteps and ballooning costs could overwhelm the government’s ability to conduct the once-a-decade count of the nation’s population, congressional investigators said Thursday.
Reports released by the Government Accountability Office show critical preparations for the 2010 census are behind schedule and the Census Bureau has no clear strategy for improving the count of hard-to-reach minorities.
The reports are the latest to highlight difficulties for the census, which now costs $14 billion and has been beset by partisan bickering. Disagreements over the handling of the census were part of the reason that President Barack Obama’s pick as commerce secretary, Sen. Judd Gregg, withdrew his name last month.
The GAO found that the bureau had failed to complete checks on several of its systems that are used to compile address lists that will be critical to mailing out census forms, canvassing homes and following up with people who don’t submit responses.
From the story...
With the 2010 census fast approaching, computer glitches, operational missteps and ballooning costs could overwhelm the government’s ability to conduct the once-a-decade count of the nation’s population, congressional investigators said Thursday.
Reports released by the Government Accountability Office show critical preparations for the 2010 census are behind schedule and the Census Bureau has no clear strategy for improving the count of hard-to-reach minorities.
The reports are the latest to highlight difficulties for the census, which now costs $14 billion and has been beset by partisan bickering. Disagreements over the handling of the census were part of the reason that President Barack Obama’s pick as commerce secretary, Sen. Judd Gregg, withdrew his name last month.
The GAO found that the bureau had failed to complete checks on several of its systems that are used to compile address lists that will be critical to mailing out census forms, canvassing homes and following up with people who don’t submit responses.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
So, what's the deal with the Census? Simple: Money and Power (as H'burg knows)
Apparently the City of Hattiesburg learned the hard way why a complete count is so important for the Census.
From the Hattiesburg American...
Only 60 percent of the population participated in the 2000 census, which probably prevented the City of Hattiesburg from receiving a substantial amount in federal funds in the past decade.
But the next 10 years will be different, officials said.
"I have taken this personal," Traycee Williams, partnership specialist for the Dallas Regional Census Center told the Hattiesburg City Council Monday.
Williams appeared before the council and Mayor Johnny DuPree Monday asking for their support in getting better participation from the community with the 2010 Census survey.
"You'll see a lot of me because I want to count everyone," Williams said. "We count people who are documented and undocumented, but I can't do it alone."
Williams has already begun a partnership with the city and officials in Lamar, Petal and Forrest County to plan what is being called, "The Pine Belt Kick-Off" celebration to raise community awareness.
From the Hattiesburg American...
Only 60 percent of the population participated in the 2000 census, which probably prevented the City of Hattiesburg from receiving a substantial amount in federal funds in the past decade.
But the next 10 years will be different, officials said.
"I have taken this personal," Traycee Williams, partnership specialist for the Dallas Regional Census Center told the Hattiesburg City Council Monday.
Williams appeared before the council and Mayor Johnny DuPree Monday asking for their support in getting better participation from the community with the 2010 Census survey.
"You'll see a lot of me because I want to count everyone," Williams said. "We count people who are documented and undocumented, but I can't do it alone."
Williams has already begun a partnership with the city and officials in Lamar, Petal and Forrest County to plan what is being called, "The Pine Belt Kick-Off" celebration to raise community awareness.
Independent Census?
Democrats are calling for an independent Census, one free from politics. Check it out.
From the Washington Post...
House Democrats will unveil a measure today that would separate the U.S. Census Bureau from the Commerce Department and make it an independent government agency similar in design to the National Institutes of Health or NASA.
The proposal comes in the wake of Republican allegations that the Obama administration is attempting to politicize the census by giving White House aides responsibility for overseeing next year's head count.
Administration officials stress that while the White House is expected to take part in advertising and community outreach related to the 2010 Census, the census director will continue to report to the secretary of commerce.
From the Washington Post...
House Democrats will unveil a measure today that would separate the U.S. Census Bureau from the Commerce Department and make it an independent government agency similar in design to the National Institutes of Health or NASA.
The proposal comes in the wake of Republican allegations that the Obama administration is attempting to politicize the census by giving White House aides responsibility for overseeing next year's head count.
Administration officials stress that while the White House is expected to take part in advertising and community outreach related to the 2010 Census, the census director will continue to report to the secretary of commerce.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Thousands apply for Mississippi Census jobs
WTOK reports about the MS Census:
About 10,000 people have applied in one month for 1,300 temporary U.S. Census Bureau jobs in Mississippi.
The Census Bureau is hiring for the 2010 Census. The agency has opened a jobs line and offices in Jackson and Meridian for recruiting temporary workers.
Jeff Behler, deputy regional director for the Census Bureau office in Dallas, says of the 10,000 applicants so far, roughly 7,000 are qualified. He called the turnout amazing and said it is partly due to the troubled economy.
Applicants hired during the first round of operations will make $8 to $13.50 per hour in jobs that range from part-time to full-time.
About 10,000 people have applied in one month for 1,300 temporary U.S. Census Bureau jobs in Mississippi.
The Census Bureau is hiring for the 2010 Census. The agency has opened a jobs line and offices in Jackson and Meridian for recruiting temporary workers.
Jeff Behler, deputy regional director for the Census Bureau office in Dallas, says of the 10,000 applicants so far, roughly 7,000 are qualified. He called the turnout amazing and said it is partly due to the troubled economy.
Applicants hired during the first round of operations will make $8 to $13.50 per hour in jobs that range from part-time to full-time.
Scores from MS seeking Census jobs
The Clarion Ledger discusses job opportunities available through the Census. Learn more...
Some 10,000 Mississippians competing for 1,300 temporary jobs have swamped the U.S. Census Bureau with applications in one month.
The job-seekers were responding to a hiring push by the bureau. Preparations for the 2010 census are under way.
"Of the 10,000 applicants we've had so far, roughly 7,000 are qualified," said Jeff Behler, deputy regional director for the Census Bureau office in Dallas.
"I'd say the response is partly due to the economy, partly due to the extra effort we put into recruiting.
"It's been an amazing turnout."
Maybe not that amazing considering this: More than 104,000 Mississippi workers were unemployed in December - a seasonally adjusted rate of 8 percent, according to preliminary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The rate for December 2007 was 6.3 percent.
In Jackson, the December rate climbed to 6 percent, from 5.1 percent a year earlier.
Workers who get on with the Census Bureau during its first round of operations will make $8 to $13.50 per hour in jobs that range from part- to full-time.
More than 5,700 applications have flooded the bureau's Meridian office, which opened Jan. 30. About 4,800 have applied at the Jackson office, which opened two days before that.
Some 10,000 Mississippians competing for 1,300 temporary jobs have swamped the U.S. Census Bureau with applications in one month.
The job-seekers were responding to a hiring push by the bureau. Preparations for the 2010 census are under way.
"Of the 10,000 applicants we've had so far, roughly 7,000 are qualified," said Jeff Behler, deputy regional director for the Census Bureau office in Dallas.
"I'd say the response is partly due to the economy, partly due to the extra effort we put into recruiting.
"It's been an amazing turnout."
Maybe not that amazing considering this: More than 104,000 Mississippi workers were unemployed in December - a seasonally adjusted rate of 8 percent, according to preliminary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The rate for December 2007 was 6.3 percent.
In Jackson, the December rate climbed to 6 percent, from 5.1 percent a year earlier.
Workers who get on with the Census Bureau during its first round of operations will make $8 to $13.50 per hour in jobs that range from part- to full-time.
More than 5,700 applications have flooded the bureau's Meridian office, which opened Jan. 30. About 4,800 have applied at the Jackson office, which opened two days before that.
2010 Census among black caucus priorities
The Congressional Black Caucus will press Obama on its priorities, including the 2010 Census. A snippet from the AP story:
...The caucus already has demonstrated it will challenge Obama if he strays from its priorities.
Members were quick to question the wisdom of Obama's failed appointment of Republican Sen. Judd Gregg as commerce secretary. They were wary of the New Hampshire conservative and whether he would ensure a full counting of minorities in the upcoming census, which is conducted under the Commerce Department's jurisdiction. Those concerns in part led Obama to announce that the White House would be more involved in directing the Census.
...The caucus already has demonstrated it will challenge Obama if he strays from its priorities.
Members were quick to question the wisdom of Obama's failed appointment of Republican Sen. Judd Gregg as commerce secretary. They were wary of the New Hampshire conservative and whether he would ensure a full counting of minorities in the upcoming census, which is conducted under the Commerce Department's jurisdiction. Those concerns in part led Obama to announce that the White House would be more involved in directing the Census.
Financial boost for Census under Obama budget
From the Associated Press:
Commerce would get big boost for census
WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly all of the huge increase in funding President Barack Obama wants for the Commerce Department goes to the massive job of conducting the 2010 census.
Obama is proposing a nearly 50 percent increase for Commerce under his proposal released Thursday.
The agency's discretionary budget would grow from $9.3 billion to $13.8 billion. Roughly $4 billion of the increase would go to the census, which the administration says will require hiring about half a million people. The census also got $1 billion in the recently enacted economic stimulus package.
Funding for the census is a contentious political issue because the count determines everything from government pay-outs to the number of congressional seats in each state.
Commerce would get big boost for census
WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly all of the huge increase in funding President Barack Obama wants for the Commerce Department goes to the massive job of conducting the 2010 census.
Obama is proposing a nearly 50 percent increase for Commerce under his proposal released Thursday.
The agency's discretionary budget would grow from $9.3 billion to $13.8 billion. Roughly $4 billion of the increase would go to the census, which the administration says will require hiring about half a million people. The census also got $1 billion in the recently enacted economic stimulus package.
Funding for the census is a contentious political issue because the count determines everything from government pay-outs to the number of congressional seats in each state.
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