FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Doug McGinn January 25, 1999 (202) 225-3031 RYAN PRAISES SUPREME COURT RULING BARRING THE USE OF SAMPLING FOR 2000 CENSUS
WASHINGTON -- First District Congressman Paul Ryan today praised a Supreme Court ruling that bars the use of a controversial statistical sampling plan that was to be used for the upcoming 2000 Census. If the sampling plan were to have been implemented, it was projected that Wisconsin would lose one of its existing Congressional seats. "Our delegation, Republicans and Democrats alike, have been united in our opposition over the use of sampling."
"This is great news for Wisconsin," said Ryan. "The use of sampling would have deprived us of the fair representation our state deserves. Our delegation, Republicans and Democrats alike, have been united in our opposition over the use of sampling."
"In every day terms, the loss of even one of Wisconsin's Congressional seats would stretch our already limited resources in working on behalf of our constituents. Whether helping to process a senior citizen's Social Security check, assisting a Veteran on obtaining their benefits, or working together on legislative matters affecting our state, the loss would be dramatic and hurtful."
"This is simply an issue of fairness. The decennial Census bears enormous pressure upon local and state governments. The use of sampling would have injected a distasteful political element to the process, unfairly penalizing communities and regions of our country that comply with existing Census procedures. The Constitution calls for an actual head count of all citizens and we must adhere to this principal."
For additional information, or to speak to Congressman Ryan about the Supreme Court ruling, please contact Doug McGinn at (202) 225-3031.