Census response rates from hard-to-reach neighborhoods may fall behind the numbers from 2000, as the recession continues to cut into state and local budgets, decreasing the amount of money available for outreach. "California, for example, dedicated $24.7 million to the 2000 Census campaign," The Associated Press reports. "Although an undercount could cost the state billions in federal funding and a seat in Congress, this year's outreach budget is only $2 million." California's return rate is currently 10 percent below the 2000 level at the same juncture.
"Cities and counties across the country have been forced to shed staff to keep their budgets in the black," AP reports, but Census Bureau spokesman Sonny Le told the wire service that local governments should avoid shortsightedness when cutting outreach funding. In some places, an undercount could mean cuts in funding, fewer opportunities for it, or a slower rate of increase in funding. (Read more)
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