MN Census: need for accurate count for funding and fair representation

Posted by Catherine Stifter  January 17, 2010

http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2010/01/14/14984/minnesota_census_kickoff_stress...

Saeed Fahia, who immigrated to Minnesota 18 years ago from Somalia, is doing his part to push his community to fill out 2010 census questionnaires.

At a press conference today to kick off the census drive, Fahia was among several speakers urging Minnesotans and immigrants to make sure they're counted in the decade's population survey. Minnesota is about 1,100 people short of holding onto its eighth seat in the House of Representatives, according to the state demographer's calculations.

Also at stake is Minnesota's share of $400 billion in federal funds annually allocated to states for an array of projects that include public safety, transportation, social services, schools, environment and even libraries. "An inaccurate count will hurt us," said Mike Opat, chairman of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners.

Read more in the Minn Post.

Tags: census
Topics: Building Community, Civic Life, Funding, Immigrants, Politics