Romeoville, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today conducted a briefing with U.S. Census Bureau officials to discuss with 13th District mayors and managers the importance of an accurate Census count for their municipalities.
 
           “A census counting the population of the United States every ten years is mandated by the Constitution and it also has important consequences for our towns and villages,” said Biggert.  “Over a ten-year period, more than $3 trillion is allotted to states and communities based on population, so it’s important for local municipalities’ populations to be counted accurately.”
 
           The $3 trillion allocated by the federal government funds infrastructure projects, schools, hospitals, and other facilities.  Census data also plays a role in determining where these projects and other projects will be located, and is used by the private-sector to make business decisions. 
 
           “Failing to count even one person could cost a state or municipality as much as $12,000 over the next ten years,” said Biggert.  “I’m pleased that I had the opportunity to work with the Census Bureau to host this briefing to let local officials know how important the census process is.”
 
           In addition, census data dictates the number of seats each state receives in the House of Representatives and is a factor in the legislative redistricting process; Illinois is likely to lose one Congressional seat after next year’s census is completed.
 
           “What’s at stake in the 2010 Census is nothing less than quality of life that every resident will enjoy for the next decade in communities throughout our region and across the country,” said Stanley D. Moore, Census Bureau Regional Director.  “We all have a critical stake in every household’s response to the 2010 Census questionnaire.”
 
           “As we began the process of preparing for the census this year, there were concerns that this important process might become politicized,” said Biggert.  “Thankfully that won’t be the case because of an amendment we passed a few weeks ago, which I supported, that will keep the Census Bureau under the control of the Department of Commerce.”