DEPARTMENT: Government and Public Affairs
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle, Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
A resolution opposing the inclusion of a citizenship question in the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 Census questionnaire.
SUMMARY:
Approval of a resolution expressing opposition to the inclusion of a citizenship question in the 2020 Census due to the impact such a question would have on the accuracy of the count as required by the U.S. Constitution.
BACKGROUND:
The U.S. Constitution requires a complete census of the population of the United States every 10 years. Preparations for the 2020 Census have begun, with Census Day to occur on April 1, 2020. Obtaining an accurate count for San Antonio is important for several reasons. First, it helps determine the distribution of more than $675 billion annually in federal funds to state, local and tribal governments; this funding is for housing, highways, hospitals, schools, assistance programs and many other projects and programs. It also informs redistricting, determines apportionment of representatives to the US House of Representatives, forecasts future transportation needs, determines eligibility for housing assistance programs and assists government entities in planning and implementing programs and services and others. Following the 2010 Census, Texas gained four congressional seats and due to its rapid growth, is expected to receive more following the 2020 Census.
In a December 12, 2017 letter to the US Census Bureau, the Department of Justice (DOJ) requested the addition of the question to obtain "a reliable calculation of the citizen voting-age population in localities where voting rights violations are alleged or suspected" to help enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which offers protections against racial discrimination in voting. On March 26, 2018, the Department of Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, directed the Census Bureau to include the citizenship question in the 2020 Censu...
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