The California Complete Count: local educational agencies.
The implementation of AB1666 is pivotal for California as it seeks to ensure an accurate enumeration of its population, which is essential for the allocation of federal funding, political representation, and local governance. The outreach efforts outlined in the bill are designed to reach a wide demographic, especially those that may be hesitant or face barriers to participation in the census. This initiative is part of a larger state commitment to engage populations that historically underreport in census counts, which can significantly affect future state resources and representation.
Assembly Bill 1666, enacted in 2019, introduces Section 65040.17 to the California Government Code. The primary intent of the bill is to enhance the participation of the state's residents in the upcoming 2020 federal decennial census via partnerships between the California Complete Count - Census 2020 Office and local educational agencies. Through this collaboration, the bill mandates that these educational institutions provide critical information to students and their families regarding the importance of the census, privacy protections associated with it, and community resources available to assist in completing census questionnaires.
Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB1666 has been supportive among various stakeholders, recognizing the necessity of a thorough and inclusive census process. Advocates of the bill argue that bridging the gap between educational institutions and community resources can lead to higher rates of participation, thus benefiting local communities. However, there are concerns from some groups about the adequacy of funding and the ability of local agencies to effectively reach all families before the census deadline, illustrating a mix of optimism and caution within the discourse.
While AB1666 has received bipartisan support, notable contention exists regarding the urgency of its enactment as an urgency statute. Some critics have raised questions about the timeline and whether the provisions of the bill allow enough time for effective mobilization of outreach strategies. Additionally, there are concerns about ensuring that the information provided is accurate and comprehensible, particularly for communities with diverse language needs, which may challenge the execution of the outreach plans outlined in the bill.