ST. PAUL - The following is a statement from State Demographer Susan Brower on today's White House announcement that it will not pursue the addition of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census.

“Today’s announcement that the citizenship question will not be added to the 2020 Census is a welcome one. Research suggests that the addition of this question would have lowered response rates and data quality. There is a lot at stake with the 2020 Census, and an accurate census count benefits all of us. The census is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for communities to claim their fair share of power and resources, and a depressed-count will only further perpetuate inequities. The Census Bureau is not allowed under federal law to share the individual data that it collects. With our community partners, we will continue to work hard to make sure that all Minnesotans understand the importance of the 2020 Census and are ready for it when it comes.“

The census count guides the distribution of more than 15 billion dollars each year to Minnesota communities. These funds support schools, housing, roads, hospitals, and a variety of other public services in cities and counties across the state. The census will also impact the distribution of political power for the decade to come. For more information about the 2020 Census see the State Demographic Center website.

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For more information, please contact:
Julie Nelsen at (651) 341-9149 or julie.j.nelsen@state.mn.us