The Census Bureau conducts a census of the population of the United States every ten years. A census has been conducted every ten years since 1790. This is an important process for many reasons. The census is requirement is due to Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution and the requirement that each of the states have representation in proportion to the states population.

As one would expect, the Census Bureau budget for years immediately preceding a census undertaking is much greater than the budget required after the census. The Census Bureau requires much larger than average budgets in 2008, 2009 and 2010 to conduct the census.

Congress has not provided an adequate budget for the Census Bureau to prepare and conduct the 2010 Census. The Census Bureas Director, Charles Kincannon, spoke to the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight, about this situation. There is a little known resolution in effect that funds government agencies at the level of the last fiscal year. This is manageable for most agencies, but the Census Bureau requires significant budget increases to fund the 2010 census.

The 2010 Census is an undertaking of vital importance to our government. It should be well funded, becuase of the important role the data will have in decisions and perceptions for the next ten years. Americans cannot afford to get it wrong.

Popularity: 25% [?]