State and national leadership have been discussing the Census recently, which is a good thing. Unfortunately, they appear to be most interested in the number of Congressional seats allocated to each state depending on Census totals. The bigger picture, and what many Florida leaders have largely missed since 2020, is census data impacts the allocation of billions in federal funding to states for essential programs children and families need like food and safety, childcare, healthcare, disaster preparedness and more.
This current lack of discourse about child well-being is truly disappointing. Such a laser focus on gaining a seat or two in the U.S. House or increasing electoral college votes runs counter to Americans’ desire to heal the political divide.
The Census is More Than a Tool for Political Gain
Census undercounts hurt children and families. It leads to states and communities receiving less funding than they qualify for essential services. Frankly, Florida is reaping what little it sowed by virtually ensuring an inaccurate count in 2020. Despite calls from American Children’s Campaign and others to form a statewide Census Committee to educate the public and ensure every person counts,. Florida was one of the last states in the nation to do so. The statewide committee had few meetings and little impact. Florida also refused to spend money to support state, county and local efforts to persuade residents on the importance of participating in the once-a-decade headcount.
The largest undercount in state history
Our worst fears came true. According to a report by Florida TaxWatch, Florida’s undercount in the 2020 Census – the largest undercount in state history –has resulted in as much as a $21 billion loss in funding for essential services through 2030. The reason for this financial hit is Census data determines how federal funds are distributed to states and communities. The impacts are broad and critical needs go unaddressed..
Yes, census data is used to determine congressional and state legislative districts. And, yes, it can contribute to a political tug of war. More important, though, is census data is used to meet the needs of Floridians since numerous federal surveys and research projects rely on the data to inform policymaking and program evaluation. Census inaccuracies can perpetuate through these surveys and studies, potentially leading to misinformed policy decisions.
Florida can get it right
The American Children’s Campaign is non-partisan, and it is our belief it would be better if national and Florida leaders focused on the undercount’s impact on all households rather than the eventual political outcome.
The 2030 Census in fast approaching and there are many opportunities for Florida to ensure an accurate count, including:
- Allocating state funding and resources for the early formation of a Complete Count Committee
- Supporting county and state participation in the Locate Update of Census Addresses (scheduled for 2027 but preparations should already be underway)
- Educating Floridians on the importance of an accurate Census and promoting census survey completion
Meeting the needs of Floridians should be the priority and let the politics run its natural course. Anything else makes Florida weaker, not stronger.