Every ten years, the United States Department of Commerce performs the decennial census. The information collected in the census has a vast affect on Utahns. The information is used to make data-driven decisions – everything from land-use planning, to economic development, to city and county classifications, to allocation to congressional and legislative representation. As a state we have an interest in ensuring its accuracy.
The federal government altered how the 2020 census canvassing will be conducted. It is shifting from a paper-based process to a primarily online approach and is now relying on states to provide outreach and public awareness. With the outreach responsibility shifting to the state, it became necessary for us to appropriate money to inform citizens about the census and create educational materials, especially for those in rural areas, and areas with limited internet access as well as areas with aging residents.
HB 1001, Supplemental Appropriations Amendments, allocated $1 million to support an accurate census count through public awareness outreach campaigns to encourage residents to complete the census, including grants for local governments and non-profit organizations to increase participation.
Census Day is April 1, 2020. Online responses will be available beginning on March 23, 2020. Overview provided by Senator Ron Winterton
