Texas Senate Bill SCR44

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Authorizing the Attorney General of Texas to seek all necessary relief, including seeking an adjustment to the U.S. Census in order that the true nature of the Texas population may be known and congressional representation may be reapportioned.

Impact

The resolution notes the implications of an undercount to Texas, indicating that an adjustment could lead to enhanced representation in the U.S. House by ensuring the allocation of congressional seats accurately reflects the state's demographic realities. Moreover, it points out that for every 1% undercount, Texas could lose approximately $300 million in federal funding annually. Thus, a census adjustment not only pertains to congressional representation but also affects significant federal resources allocated to the state.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 44 (SCR44) seeks to authorize the Attorney General of Texas to pursue necessary relief measures regarding the recent 2020 U.S. Census data. The resolution highlights a potential significant undercount of Texas's population, which could impact the state’s representation in Congress. As Texas narrowly missed acquiring an additional congressional representative, this resolution aims to advocate for a possible adjustment to the Census data to reflect the true population of Texas more accurately.

Contention

While SCR44 does not directly propose legislative change, it raises concerns regarding the methods used in the U.S. Census and the factors contributing to potential inaccuracies, such as geographic diversity and socio-economic challenges. The resolution operates within a framework that underscores the importance of accurate population data in shaping legislative representation and resource allocation. This advocacy may encounter opposition from those who believe that the existing Census methods are sufficient or who are concerned about the implications of changes to federal data processes.