Roby Column

By U.S. Rep. Martha Roby

U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) participated in a Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee hearing where Dr. Steven Dillingham, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau, testified about 2020 Census preparation.
During the hearing, Representative Roby highlighted the importance of an accurate 2020 Census both for congressional representation and federal dollars and asked Director Dillingham what actions the Census Bureau is taking to ensure that Alabama’s rural communities are accurately counted.

“The 2020 Census doesn’t just decide the number of congressional seats, it also decides the number of electoral college votes. Currently, Alabama is at nine, and that would potentially drop to eight. That is a big deal, and it is something Alabamians don’t want to see happen. The Census also dictates the amount of federal dollars that come into our state, specifically to hospitals, job training centers, schools, infrastructure, and other emergency services. Inaccurate or miscounted numbers mean we as a state are having to do more with less, and that cannot happen.

“How is the Census Bureau planning to use its resources to partner with state and community-based organizations to serve as trusted voices encouraging participation in the 2020 Census, especially in hard-to-count rural areas?”