Senator Sherrod Brown

WASHINGTON, DC –Senator Sherrod Brown today called on the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure it uses the most accurate information for counting Ohio’s population. Brown expressed concern over initial preparation for the 2010 census, which could result in the undercounting of residents in many Ohio cities.

“It’s critical that every Ohioan is counted so the state receives its share of federal dollars,” said Brown. “Funding for many programs crucial to Ohio is dependent on Census figures. We need to make sure that Ohioans don’t pay out more in taxes than the state receives. One way to do this is to ensure that the Census Bureau has the most accurate count of Ohio’s population.” 

At least 165 federal programs use Census figures to determine funds that will be distributed to states. Many of these programs are vital to Ohio, including children’s health insurance, highway infrastructure, community development, and home heating assistance.

The Census Bureau has already begun preparations for the 2010 U.S. Decennial Census. The Bureau depends heavily on United States Postal Service addresses for population estimates - historically these outdated lists result in census undercounts of women, children, and urban and low-income residents.

In a letter to U.S. Census Bureau Director Steve H. Murdock, Brown asks that the Bureau work more closely with local communities to ensure the Bureau has the most up to date address listings.  Brown writes, “Please advise me of what steps you are taking to correct any errors in the address list and collaborate with local officials to ensure the most accurate count possible.”

In his letter, Brown cites the case of Toledo, where incomplete addresses have reportedly resulted in more than 1400 omissions from the census mailing list.

A full copy of Senator Brown’s letter is below:

July 31, 2008

Steve H. Murdock
Director
U.S. Census Bureau
4600 Silver Hill Road
Washington, DC 20233

Dear Mr. Murdock:

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the Census Bureau’s preparations for the 2010 U.S. Decennial Census.

Census figures are used to allocate funding for 165 federal programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Medicaid, Community Development Block Grants, and Section 8 Housing Vouchers.  As Ohioans struggle with difficult economic times, these programs provide a vital safety net and are essential to the continued health and well-being of thousands of Ohioans. 

I understand the Bureau has already begun preparations for the 2010 Census, and I am concerned by reports I have heard from cities in my state that the Bureau’s address listings are incomplete.  In the case of Toledo, these errors have resulted in more than 1400 omissions from the Census mailing list. 

Given the Census’s historic undercount of women, children, and urban and low-income residents – the very people who depend most on these federal programs – I am deeply concerned by errors in the Census data base. 

Please advise me of what steps you are taking to correct any errors in the address list and collaborate with local officials to ensure the most accurate count possible.

If you have any questions, please contact Caroline Wells in my office at (202) 224-2315.  Thank you and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown
United States Senator