WHEREAS:

The U. S. Census Bureau is required by the Constitution of the United States of America to conduct a count of the population. Participating in the decennial Census is the civic duty and privilege of every American; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME is committed to ensuring every resident is counted; and

WHEREAS:

More than $300 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities, and decisions are made on matters of national and local importance based on census data, including healthcare, community development, housing, education, transportation, social services, employment, and much more; and

WHEREAS:

Census data determines how many seats each state will have in the U. S. House of Representatives, as well as the redistricting of state legislatures, county and city councils and voting districts; and

WHEREAS:

The 2010 Census creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across the nation; and

WHEREAS:

Every Census Bureau worker takes a lifetime oath to protect confidentiality and ensure that data identifying respondents or their household not be released or shared for 72 years; and

WHEREAS:

A united voice from business, government, community-based and faith-based organizations, educators, media and others will allow the 2010 Census message to reach a broader audience, providing trusted advocates who can spark positive conversations about the 2010 Census.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge its members and their families to stand up and be counted in the 2010 Census; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME use its member communication system to advertise its support of the 2010 Census; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME affiliates help raise awareness of the need for full participation in the 2010 Census.