Editorial: Census undercount causes some worries

For the 14th year in a row, Nevada has led the nation in population growth. While this is great news about the state's continuing economic strength, there is a real concern that when the U.S. Census Bureau starts its decennial count in a few months, not all Nevadans will be officially recorded. David Byerman, the Census Bureau's liaison to Nevada, said that when the 1990 census was taken, just 61 percent of Nevadans returned the initial census forms they received -- the worst response rate in the nation.

So why the dismal performance? Byerman, in a recent interview with the Nevada Appeal newspaper, attributes this partly to Nevada's general "mistrust of government." Nevadans with privacy concerns should understand, however, that federal law prohibits the agency from sharing this information with any other government entity. The census forms are kept under seal for 72 years.

An accurate census count is essential, since the federal government uses this information to base how much federal dollars go to the states in a variety of programs, including transportation, education, law enforcement, environmental protection and welfare. Byerman estimates that the state loses $670 for each individual not counted. It is believed that more than 28,000 Nevadans weren't counted in 1990, which correlates into Nevada missing out on almost $200 million over the past decade, Byerman said.

The Census Bureau is launching a national advertising campaign to try to get the word out about how important it is to be counted. In addition, Gov. Kenny Guinn tabbed Secretary of State Dean Heller to head up the state's efforts to make sure an accurate as possible count is conducted. Ultimately, though, it will be up to each Nevadan to take a few moments and fill out the census form. Taking on what is such a minor chore -- yet an important responsibility -- will help ensure Nevada gets the government funding it deserves.

archive