Relative to the 2020 Decennial Census.
The resolution outlines California's intent to allocate significant resources and funding toward outreach and engagement efforts, particularly directed at communities that are often underrepresented in census data. Given that California receives approximately $77 billion in federal funding based on census results, the implications of an incomplete census could be significant, affecting allocation decisions that have far-reaching consequences on state and local services. The resolution also highlights that accurate census data is essential not only for representation in the House of Representatives but also for the redistricting processes at state and local levels.
The bill AR27, introduced by Assembly Member Berman, focuses on the significance of the 2020 Decennial Census. It aims to address the challenges faced in achieving an accurate population count for California, which has a large and diverse population, including several groups that are traditionally hard to count. The resolution recognizes the necessity for all Californians to be counted accurately, as census data plays a vital role in federal funding allocation and political representation throughout the state. The bill expands upon California's commitment to ensuring a complete and fair count by emphasizing cross-sector collaboration among various organizations and government bodies.
While the bill is generally perceived as a proactive measure to secure appropriate representation and funding for the state, there may be underlying contentions regarding the methods and resources used for outreach. As the federal Census Bureau faces numerous challenges—such as declining response rates and changes in technology—California's aggressive outreach strategies may also raise questions about privacy and the validity of online data collection methods. Furthermore, some stakeholders may argue about the adequacy of funding and the collaborative measures taken to include all segments of the population effectively.