Census carries on despite challenges
The first U.S. Census was taken in 1790, seven years after the end of the American Revolution.
The 15th census was taken in 1930, during the Great Depression.
The 23rd census is being taken in 2020, in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
Come hell or high water, the count must go on, according to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who spoke during a virtual roundtable Monday.
“(It's) one of a handful of obligations our Founding Fathers were explicit about,” Casey said. “This is about as big a challenge as our county has ever faced.”
Casey was joined by census representatives from several Pennsylvania counties: Kari King, PA Partnerships for Children CEO, and Norman Bristol-Colon, the Governor's Census 2020 Complete Count Commission executive director.“We have to constantly, constantly repeat ourselves about the census,” Casey said. “It's critically important for a state.”Citing data generated by George Washington University, Casey said each Pennsylvanian counts for about $2,100 in federal money annually, which can be reflected as a loss for each person not counted.Casey said this is why it's important to reach hard-to-count (HTC) populations like undocumented immigrants, minors and the elderly.“We have to concentrate vigorously on this (HTC) population,” Casey said. “We have to make sure they're not afraid to come forward.”King said an estimated 25,000 children were undercounted in Pennsylvania during the 2010 census. To help the census obtain an accurate count in 2020, PA Partnerships for Children is educating kids about the census.King said the organization also is trying to reach a niche.“Grandparents raising grandkids,” King said.Some families might not be traditionally arranged and may need help filling out the census form accordingly.King said the U.S. Census Bureau and Pennsylvania government websites provide details for how a family should respond.
With most community events canceled and the majority of Pennsylvanians being told to stay home, census outreach has changed its shape since the start of March.Stephanie Reid, executive director of Philly Counts, said Philadelphia census workers have especially needed to rethink their approach.Fortunately, Reid said the 8,000 people census-trained in Philadelphia have brought important connections and a workforce to the census.“We have been able to leverage that network of leaders,” Reid said.Reid said in Philadelphia, the challenge has been putting information in the hands of citizens. When people are worried about where they can get food, they aren't as concerned about filling out their census questionnaires.
In an effort to conduct the census without increasing the spread of COVID-19, the Census Bureau has issued delays and extensions for a number of census activities.These include:The self-response phase being extended from March 12 through July 31 to March 12 through Aug. 14The enumeration process being extended from March 16 through April 30 to March 16 through May 14Early nonresponse follow-up being delayed from April 9 through July 31 to May 7 through Aug. 14Nonresponse follow-up being delayed from May 13 through July 31 to May 28 through Aug. 14Group quarters enumeration being delayed from April 2 through June 5 to April 16 through June 19Service-based enumeration being delayed from March 30 through April 1 to April 29 through May 1The outdoor homeless count being delayed from April 1 to May 1The delivery of the count to the president and the delivery of redistricting counts to states remain on schedule, according to the bureau. These dates are Dec. 31 and April 1, 2021, respectively.Ka-chingCasey said Pennsylvania has received about $39 million through more than 50 federal programs based on information gathered during the 2010 census.Bristol-Colon said the state is managing its census budget well this year, despite the pandemic. Its $2.5 million media campaign is able to function well in the current community climate.“We are on a good track due to COVID-19,” Bristol-Colon said. “We're strategizing.”Casey told county officials and the public the next piece of federal legislation will probably address a need to issue census field workers medical supplies.Casey said there's no time for “head scratching” on this front. He said lawmakers should move on the matter and consider cost later.“I think most people are on the same page: Democrats, Republicans, Independents,” Casey said. “We can't allow anything to stand in our way.”
