WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today called on the Bush
Administration to release adjusted census data that would ensure that her
district and Chicago are not shortchanged millions in federal dollars.
In
a letter to Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans, Schakowsky joined her Democratic
colleagues on the House Government Reform Committee in demanding that he
release statistically adjusted census figures. This information is
vital since Congress allocates $185 billion in population-based federal
grant funds each year. According to news reports, the unadjusted numbers
released this year missed at least 6.4 million people and counted at least
3.1 million people twice.
Below
is the letter to Secretary of Commerce Evans.
April
6, 2001
By
Hand Delivery
The
Honorable Donald L. Evans
Secretary
of Commerce
Fourteenth
Street and Constitution Ave., NW
Washington,
DC 20230
Dear
Secretary Evans:
Pursuant
to the “Seven Member Rule” (5 U.S.C. § 2954), we write to request
that the Commerce Department provide us the adjusted census data produced
as part of the 2000 Decennial Census.
As
part of its work on the 2000 Decennial Census, the Census Bureau compiled
two sets of data. One is a population count determined through the
use of census forms returned by mail and interviews conducted at addresses
for which no census form was returned. Recognizing that the raw population
count is not entirely accurate, the Bureau prepares a second set of data:
The population count enhanced using statistical techniques designed to
correct for errors in the census count. The Commerce Department has
released the first set of data. On March 6, 2001, however, you announced
your decision not to use or publicly release the second set of data.
There
are substantial questions about the accuracy of the 2000 census data that
you have chosen to release. According to news reports, the unadjusted
numbers you released missed at least 6.4 million people and counted at
least 3.1 million people twice.
On
March 1, 2001, the Census Bureau’s Executive Steering Committee for Accuracy
and Coverage Evaluation Policy made a recommendation as to which set of
data should be released by April 1, 2001, to the public and to the states
for purposes of redistricting. Although the steering committee concluded
that the adjusted numbers should not be released at that time for redistricting
purposes, it reached this decision only because the impending April 1,
2001, statutory deadline prevented a full analysis of the accuracy of the
adjusted data. In fact, the steering committee expressly found that
“the majority of the evidence indicates . . . the superior accuracy of
the adjusted numbers.” The committee also found that
“[q]uality measures indicate the adjusted data are more accurate overall.”
We
are requesting the adjusted data that the Census Bureau has already compiled
but that you decided not to release. Specifically, we request that
you provide to us the 2000 census data required under 13 U.S.C. §
141(c), adjusted using the Accuracy and Coverage Evaluation.
We
are making this request under the Seven Member Rule, which expressly provides
that “[a]n Executive agency, on request of the Committee on Government
Operations of the House of Representatives, or of any seven members thereof
. . . shall submit any information requested of it relating to any matter
within the jurisdiction of the committee.” Under the rules
of the House of Representatives, our Committee has both legislative and
oversight jurisdiction over matters relating to population and demography,
including the census.
We
are seeking this information for several reasons. First, our Committee
has legislative jurisdiction over the census. We are actively considering
whether to amend the law regarding the timing and release of adjusted and
unadjusted census data. Concerns have been raised that the existing
provisions of the Census Act effectively prevent the most accurate data
from being used for redistricting and other purposes. Review of the
adjusted data will enable us to evaluate the need for legislation in this
area.
Second,
this information could have an enormous impact on the allocation by Congress
of more than $185 billion in population-based federal grant funds.
The General Accounting Office, using data from the 1990 census and a statistical
method similar to the one used for the 2000 census, analyzed how the use
of adjusted census data would have affected the distribution of federal
resources. Examining a sample of 15 major programs that administer
$138 billion in federal funds, GAO concluded that the use of adjusted population
counts would have reallocated nearly $450 million among the 50 states and
the District of Columbia. This study concluded that California alone
would have received over $200 million annually in additional funds if adjusted
data had been used.
Third,
this information could have a significant bearing on the appropriateness
of congressional redistricting efforts currently being undertaken by state
governments. The reports that the Census Bureau missed 6.4 million
people in its most recent count raise serious questions about whether all
of our citizens will have an equal voice in government. As members
of the Committee on Government Reform, which has oversight jurisdiction
over redistricting, we need to investigate these important questions, and
if need be, develop legislation that assures fairness in the redistricting
process.
The
budget and appropriations process for fiscal year 2002 is now underway,
as is the redistricting process in states. Consequently, we need
this information as expeditiously as possible to fulfill our legislative
and oversight responsibilities. For this reason, we request that
you provide the adjusted data on or before April 20, 2001. |
