Press Release - Executive Order Issued to Help 2010 Census
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Press Release - Executive Order Issued to Help 2010 Census

OFFICE OF LT. GOV. BARBARA O'BRIEN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009

 

CONTACTS:

Ellen Dumm, Office of Lt. Governor, 303-866-6361, ellen.dumm@state.co.us

Doug Wayland, US Census, 720-533-4190, douglas.r.wayland@census.gov -

 

 

LT. GOV. O'BRIEN ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO HELP ENSURE ACCURATE 2010 CENSUS COUNT

 

Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien signed an executive order today forming the 2010 Colorado Census Complete Count Campaign.  The campaign was formed as a volunteer committee to increase awareness about the 2010 Census and to motivate residents in the community to participate in a manner that produces the best and most accurate count in Colorado.  Today's signing marked the one-year-out point towards the 2010 Census count. 

 

"The information gathered will affect Colorado for the next decade," said Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien.  "Therefore, it is crucial to have an accurate count in this Census.  As both public policy and private industry rely on this data, this order will make certain Colorado has the local knowledge and expertise to ensure we gather the information needed for an accurate count."

 

In preparation for the 2010 Census count, more than 1,700 jobs have already been created in Colorado and several thousand more are scheduled to be filled within the next year in order to complete the Census count by April 1, 2010.

 

The executive order establishes the Colorado Complete Count Campaign and assigns them with the following duties:

 

Pursuant to the authority vested in the Governor of the State of Colorado, I, Barbara O'Brien, Acting Governor of the State of Colorado pursuant to Article IV, Section 13(5) of the Colorado Constitution, hereby issue this Executive Order establishing the Colorado Complete Count Campaign.

 

  1. Background and Need

    2.  

    The United States Constitution requires that a Census be conducted every ten years.  The next Census is set to take place on April 1, 2010.  This Census will determine how the national government distributes $300 billion annually to fund critical community services and generate jobs.  It will also determine how many seats Colorado will have in the US House of Representatives, as well as determine the boundaries of legislative districts.  Further, it will provide valuable information for both the state and nation as they make decisions regarding land use and resource planning, economic development, workforce development, health services planning, housing needs planning, and community needs planning. 

     

    While the Census is a necessary undertaking, it can be costly and time consuming.  As such, one major issue with the accuracy of the data comes from populations that are historically difficult to count.  These populations include non-native English speakers, low income households, and children.  In order to ensure the Census is as accurate as possible, strategic planning is required to effectively account for these populations in the most efficient manner possible.  To that end, this Executive Order establishes the Colorado Complete Count Campaign ("Campaign"). 

     

  2. Mission and Scope

     

    In the performance of its duties, responsibilities and powers, the Committee shall:

    1. Promote and advertise the 2010 Census;
    2. Respond to the population's questions and concerns about the census;
    3. Focus resources on hard-to-count areas and populations; and
    4. Ensure the highest participation rate possible

     

  3. Membership and Organization
    1. The Campaign shall consist of up to 35 members, with no fewer than 25 members, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Governor.  Membership in the Campaign shall include, but not be limited to the following:
      1. One person from each of the following Departments: Local Affairs; Agriculture; Education; Higher Education; Human Services; Public Health and Environment; and Labor;
      2. One person from the Colorado House of Representatives, appointed in consultation with the Speaker of the House and the Minority Leader of the Colorado House of Representatives;
      3. One person from the Colorado Senate, appointed in consultation with the President of the Senate and Minority Leader of the Colorado Senate;
      4. Multiple persons from: local and municipal governments; local business organizations; charitable foundations; and faith-based organizations;
      5. Any other members as determined by the Governor.
    2. Efforts shall be made to ensure diverse geographic, cultural, ethnic, and gender representation on the Campaign;
    3. The Governor shall designate a member of the Campaign to serve as its Chair.

     

  4. Directive

     

    The Colorado Complete Count Campaign is hereby established.

     

  5. Duration

     

    This Executive Order shall continue in existence until June 30, 2010, unless it is either terminated or extended beyond that date by Executive Order of the Governor.

 

 

The committee will include a cross section of community representatives from state agencies, local government agencies, education, business, nonprofit and religious organizations, and the media.  The recommended size of the committee is 25-35.  The Governor can appoint members to the committee with recommendations from several state agencies.

 

The application deadline for the newly formed committee is close-of-business on Monday, April 20, 2009.  Applications can be secured by clicking here and going online to the Governor's Office of Boards of Commission, or by calling the Boards & Commissions Office at 303-866-6380.