South Hennepin News

Minnesota has a lot riding on the upcoming census as the state could lose a congressional district and some federal money, depending on the final count. 

The loss of a congressional seat would mean one less Electoral College vote. 

That final count could be erroneous, however. The Census Bureau has always been conducted in part by using boots-on-the-ground workers, who go out and theoretically, count every man, woman and child. Of course there are those people who complete and mail in their Census Bureau form. 

The Bureau’s budget for 2020 is $3.8 billion – half of what it was in 2010. A smaller budget means less money to pay 500,000 workers who will be counting a much larger population than 10 years ago. The Bureau had 700,000 workers counting in 2010. 

The federal government gives states money every year to assist and serve its residents, including money for law enforcement, food assistance, public housing and Medicaid. The amount is determined by census data. 

Minnesota has received $15 billion annually since the 2010 Census. That's $2800 per person. This fiscal/financial information is meaningful to retailers, developers and banks. Retailers determine if an area is likely to support business. Real estate developers and banks use that information to reel in tax incentives for setting up shop in targeted areas.

The state is doing its part to help the bureau – spending $2.2 million to help with the census.