FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Doug McGinn
February 24, 1999 (202) 225-3031

RYAN OPPOSES ADMINISTRATION'S END-RUN CENSUS PROPOSAL:

Two Separate Counts too Costly for Wisconsin

WASHINGTON - First District Congressman Paul Ryan today noted his opposition to a new Census Bureau proposal for the upcoming 2000 Census. Census Bureau Director Kenneth Prewitt today unveiled his agency's plan to conduct two distinct population counts: one by actual enumeration (door-to-door) as mandated by the U.S. Constitution and one that incorporates the controversial use of mathematical sampling.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Clinton Administration's plan to use sampling in the Census for the apportionment of Congressional seats among the states. Excluding the potential legal problems that could result from the two distinct counts, federal officials estimate the costs of the 2000 Census could rise to well over $6 billion - more than $2 billion than their initial price tag.

"This is absurd," said Ryan. "The Supreme Court has spoken on this issue and this new proposal is nothing more than a costly, end-run around the expressed intent of the Constitution. Providing two population counts is a recipe for disaster. We simply should not be playing politics with the Census. "

"Wisconsin has a history of fulfilling their Census obligation in terms of returning questionnaires and accurate counts within our communities. We should not be punished at the expense of this Administration's political agenda."

Just a few months ago, the Census Bureau announced their intention to use a one number census, stating "The Census Bureau plans to produce a 'one number' census estimate of the U.S. population in Census 2000 that will improve accuracy and eliminate confusion and controversy caused by having more than one set of census results measuring the same population." Bureau of the Census, Census 2000 Operational Plan, November 1998 (revised), pp. IX-15.

For additional information, or to speak to Congressman Ryan, please contact Doug McGinn at (202) 225-3031.