Census Bureau seeks extension

By KRISTIE LINDEN

klinden@yourmvi.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of daily life and the 2020 census is no exception.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates it will need to extend its data-collection deadline until October, which would push back the date the information could be presented to the White House. The bureau has asked for a four-month extension.  

The 2020 census is already under way and more than 70 million households have responded, but the bureau had to adjust its operations due to the outbreak. 

The adjustments were made to protect the health and safety of the public and bureau employees. The bureau is also working to ensure a complete and accurate count of all communities.

The bureau temporarily suspended 2020 census field data collection activities in March. 

Steps are being taken to reactivate field offices beginning June 1 in preparation for the resumption of field data collection operations as quickly as possible following that date. 

In-person activities, including all interaction with the public, enumeration, office work and processing activities, will incorporate the most current guidance to promote the health and safety of staff and the public. 

This will include recommended personal protective equipment and social distancing practices.

Once 2020 census data collection is complete, the bureau begins a lengthy, thorough and scientifically rigorous process to produce the apportionment counts, redistricting information and other statistical data products that help guide hundreds of billions of dollars in public and private sector spending per year.

To ensure the completeness and accuracy of the 2020 census, the bureau has sought statutory relief from Congress for 120 additional calendar days to deliver final apportionment counts.

Under this plan, the Census Bureau would extend the window for field data collection and self-response to Oct. 31,. That would allow for apportionment counts to be delivered to the president by April 30, 2021, and redistricting data to be delivered to the states no later than July 31, 2021.