Krishnamoorthi Leads Democratic Members of Illinois U.S. House Delegation in Call for Census Briefing After Repeated Undercounts
WASHINGTON – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today led Democratic members of the Illinois U.S. House Delegation — Representatives Lauren Underwood, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Jan Schakowsky, Danny K. Davis, Eric Sorensen, Bill Foster, Sean Casten, Jonathan L. Jackson, Brad Schneider, Nikki Budzinski, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez, and Robin Kelly — in calling on the U.S. Census Bureau to brief lawmakers on preparations for the 2030 Census, citing “deep concern about the repeated undercounting of Illinois’ population in the Census Bureau’s official estimates.”
In their letter to Acting Director Ron Jarmin, the members noted that “Illinois was undercounted during the 2020 census,” and highlighted the State of Illinois’ finding that “more than 46,000 residents were not counted in the 2020 Census.” They warned that this “undercount may have contributed to Illinois’ reported population loss and reduced our congressional representation as well as the federal resources that support our schools, hospitals, roads, and families.”
The members emphasized that Illinois is “one of the most diverse states in the country, home to immigrant families, rural communities and communities of color who are too often undercounted,” and reiterated long-standing concerns that “inaccurate counts deprive these communities of their fair share of resources and weaken their representation in Congress.”
To ensure “any future census counts every Illinoisian,” the members requested a member-level briefing and sought detailed information on four specific areas:
“The Bureau’s outreach and engagement strategies in Illinois to reach historically undercounted populations, including immigrant communities and communities of color.”
“Planned updates in methodology or technology since the 2020 Census to improve accuracy, data security, and efficiency.”
“The projected impact of Illinois’ demographic trends on congressional representation and federal resource allocations.”
“Opportunities for collaboration with state and local governments, community organizations, and trusted partners to maximize participation.”
The members concluded by requesting the briefing “at your earliest convenience,” stating that the Bureau’s insight “will be invaluable as we prepare to ensure Illinois receives a representative count in the 2030 Census.”
The letter was led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and joined by Representatives Lauren Underwood, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Jan Schakowsky, Danny K. Davis, Eric Sorensen, Bill Foster, Sean Casten, Jonathan L. Jackson, Brad Schneider, Nikki Budzinski, Mike Quigley, Delia Ramirez, and Robin Kelly.
The letter is available here.
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