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.
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