Mr. A. T. SAMUELSON, STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS, Director, U.S. General Accounting Office, DEAR MR. SAMUELSON: Thank you for your recent letter advising of forthcoming hearings to consider proposals for a mid-decade census and raising certain questions related thereto. The planning and administration of programs of state government are heavily dependent upon appropriate and up-to-date information in a variety of forms. Certainly, the federal decennial census represents a significant information resource of great value to state and local government. Therefore, the forthcoming hearings concerning proposals for a mid-decade census are of interest to Connecticut, a state which has experienced rapid population growth. A number of departments of state government are involved in collecting and maintaining statistical information on a regular basis. Often the federal decennial census serves as a cornerstone and checkpoint for such efforts. State sponsored data collection includes areas such as vital statistics; employment statistics; building permits and demolition; pupils, schools and teachers; retail sales; motor vehicles; etc. In addition, as provided for in the General Statutes (Section 10-249 attached), each town Board of Education is required annually to conduct an enumeration of children. Because of these various efforts within state government, we have an interest in federal census activity-both in terms of providing supplemental information and also in possibly replacing the need for state government information gathering activities in some of these areas. In response to your question concerning state statutory provisions directly related to the use of federal census information, there is attached to this letter some sample excerpts from the General Statutes with specific reference to federal census in relation to the formation of municipal districts, definition of metropolitan districts, apportionment of funds on division of a town, and determination of representation on regional planning agencies. Article 3, Sec. 6a and b, of the state constitution refers to the federal decennial census with regard to districting of the General Assembly, our legislature. Geographically, Connecticut would be most interested in information at the town level. In addition to head count, we would like information on characteristics, such as age, race, income, employment, occupation and educational attainment. Housing and migration information, inter- and intra-state, is also desired. I appreciate the opportunity to give my thoughts in connection with these important deliberations and I trust you will contact me if you wish further assistance. Sincerely, Mr. A. T. SAMUELSON, Director, U.S. General Accounting Office, THOMAS K. MESKILL, Governor. STATE OF MAINE, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, Augusta, Maine, June 11, 1971. DEAR MR. SAMUELSON: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to comment on the Census of Population that is now taken ever 10 years. As you have probably heard from other states, Census Data over 5 years old is not very useful. We therefore support the position that a Census should be taken every 5 years provided the data obtained can be made available to all Census Users within a period of one year after it is taken. This remark is prompted by our recent experience with the 1970 Census Summary Tapes. It has taken one year and two months to process and distribute the First Count Tape. It may take many more months before we received the Fourth Count Tapes. It will therefore be useless to take a five year census unless this data can be processed rapidly and distributed to data users in a more expeditious manner than experienced in the 1970 Census. I would also like to comment on sampling versus 100 percent census counting. In Maine, a large portion of our population is widely dispersed among small communities under 2.500. Our density of population is therefore low compared to other states. If sampling were to become the method by which data is obtained in the new census, samples would have to be taken over a large geo graphic area in order to achieve the population base needed to make the sample valid. Conversely, an analysis and interpretation of this data would be only applicable to a large geographic area when we need this information for our individual towns. We therefore would support the 100 percent count and the 20 percent sampling where necessary. The 5 percent sample is viewed by many of our technicians as being suspect in our sparsely populated State. You have raised three basic questions: (1) State statutes requiring or implying the use of census information, (2) State data gathering activities and, (3) the type of census information that would be of most use to us. I would like to answer them in the following chronological order. 1. State statutes requiring or implying the use of census information: (a) Representation to the State Senate is determined according to the Federal Census. Maine Constitution art. 4, pt. 2, sect. 1. (b) Apportionment of representatives for the State House of Representatives is based upon ascertainment of the number of inhabitants within every period of at most ten years. The number of inhabitants of the State may be determined by any reasonable manner including adoption of the last Federal Census. Opinion of the Justices (1953) 148 Me. 404, 94 A.2d 816. Maine Constitution art. 4, pt. 1, sect. 2. (c) Census information is needed for allocation of funds to depressed areas under Title 1 of the Elementary Secondary Education Act. (d) Maintenance of secondary highways by State or local government is determined by the size of the local government population based on the latest Census. (e) Many State agencies use population data obtained from the Census for allocating funds and services to localities as stipulated by Federal or State administrative requirements. (f) Representation on regional planning commissions is based upon the Federal Census. M.R.S. 1964 c. 239, sect. 4503. (g) The Federal Census may be used when taken the preceding year for determining unincorporated townships large enough to become organized. M.R.S. 1964 c. 401 sect. 5601. (h) An annual census of the Penobscot Tribe is required. It is implied that the Federal Census may be used when it was taken the preceding year. M.R.S. 1964 c. 1353 sect. 4791. (4) An annual census of the Passamaquoddy Tribe is required. It is implied that the Federal Census may be used when it was taken the preceding year. M.R.S. 1964 c. 1355 sect. 4832. (j) An annual census of persons between the ages of 5 and 21 years in unorganized territories is required before school privileges are provided. It is implied that the Federal Census may be used when it was taken the preceding year. M.R.S. 1964 c. 119 sect. 1460. 2. State data gathering activities: (a) The State Highway Department is required by statute to define urban compact areas on the basis of identified compact residential development. (b) A survey is now being made to determine the number and characteristics of Indians living off of their reservations who remain in Maine. (c) As required by the Federal government, the Department of Employment Security makes monthly employment and unemployment estimates. (d) The State Planning Office will make population projections for the State and each county for 1975, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2020. (e) The State Planning Office will also make summer population estimates for each minor civil division in the State using 1970 Census Seasonal Housing Information plus 1970 permanent population figures and other data. (f) On October 1 and April 1, a state school census is taken of all primary and secondary students, identifying them by residence and by grade. (g) The Office of Economic Opportunity has contracted with the Bureau of the Census to undertake a "Special Analysis" of census field tapes to provide a profile of the poor in Maine. Additional information about state department statistical efforts will be found in the attached pamphlet entitled, "Departmental Sources of Statistical Data". Even though this really was published in 1964, most of the references to departmental statistical activities are still valid today. 3. Census data of most use to Maine: (a) I have, through a recent Executive Order, established a Standard Geographic Code for Maine. Under this Code each minor civil division is identified by code number so that all data collected by State agencies may be retrieved from different files for a particular MCD or cluster of MCD's. We would therefore like to see future Census Enumeration Districts conform to the minor civil division boundaries in our unorganized territory so that data may be aggregated to form various size and shaped areas. The attached map will identify the boundaries of these MCD's. We would also like to see our larger populated towns define block areas for Census block statistics. (b) We need more information about seasonal homes in Maine. Many of our towns double or triple in population size during the summer time. The condition, location and size of these homes are important to us in order to plan for the proper facilities to take care of this large influx of population during the summer time. Many of these homes are being converted from seasonal into permanent homes. (c) As the legal age for voting has been lowered, many college students may now vote. We would suggest that college students be counted at their legal residence. Due to state residency requirements, many students may not vote at their college location. Census figures that include college students with town residents give the college town a greater representation than actual voting membership of the town should have. Student enrollment figures for general planning purposes can be obtained from the college or university. (d) For the same reasons stated previously, we believe military personnel should be enumerated at their legal residence. I have replied to your basic questions and realize that much more could be said about each topic. However, I hope that the enclosed information will be of some assistance to you in your important deliberations concerning a Census to be taken every five years. Sincerely, KENNETH M. CURTIS, Governor. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, Mr. A. T. SAMUELSON, Director, U.S. General Accounting Office, DEAR MR. SAMUELSON: I am responding on behalf of Governor Holton to acknowledge your letter of May 20, 1971 requesting information relating to census programs provisions and statutes in Virginia. This information will be forwarded to you just as soon as we have been able to gather appropriate material. Sincerely, T. EDWARD TEMPLE, Commissioner of Administration. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, Richmond, Va., July 20, 1971. Mr. A. T. SAMUELSON, Director, U.S. General Accounting Office, DEAR MR. SAMUELSON: This letter is in response to your request of May 20, 1971. The Commonwealth of Virginia applies federal census data in many ways and conducts its own statistical gathering activities. We are enclosing a computer printout of sections in the Code of Virginia that require or imply the use of federal census information and that call for a census to be taken by the state. The most important uses of federal census data are for: 1. Distribution of certain general fund revenues to the localities. 2. Distribution of state highway funds to towns and cities. 3. Determination of salaries for state constitutional officers in the localities. 4. Determination of the frequency of real property assessments in the localities. 5. Classification of localities into towns and independent cities. The major census undertaken by the state is the triennial school census. As the Constitution of Virginia implies the use of federal census data for easing electoral districts in federal and state (Article II, Section 5) and lock (Article VII, Section 5) elections. The Bureau of Population and Economic Research of the University of Virginia provides annual population estimates between each federal census and personal income estimates every few years. Federal census information of most value to Virginia is population distributed by age, sex, and race, employment, and income for the state and for each city, county, and town. If you have any further inquiries, please contact Dr. John L. Knapp, Chief of the Office of Research and Information in the Division of State Planning and Community Affairs, whose office has compiled this material. Sincerely, Mr. A. T. SAMUELSON, LINWOOD HOLTON, Governor. STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, Charleston, W. Va., June 30, 1971. U.S. General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. SAMUELSON: In response to your recent letter concerning an evaluation on the uses of census information, I find that the State of West Virginia as well as its local government units has a need for more current statistical information. Although West Virginia does not have a central statistical gathering agency, provisions in the West Virginia Code require that census information be used to establish representation in the legislative branches of government, determine minor civil divisions or magisterial districts for administering justice, and determining classifications of cities and towns. As important as these above uses may seem, far more important uses can be found in many areas. In the area of community development, we find that manufacturing and retail establishments need labor force, income and general population statistics to help conduct locational analysis and marketing surveys. Utility companies need data to help project capital needs and to help recruit new industries into their service areas. Local and regional industrial development groups need data in preparing reports showing socio-economic characteristic needs in the recruitment of industry. At the same time State and local government needs census information to settle questions of reapportionment, plan revenue and expenditure levels, and evaluate the general economic and social well-being of the population. In addition there are many daily activities of State government that require the use of census information. Programs aimed at educating our youth, providing health services for the sick, providing services for the aged, providing financial, medical, and other services for the poor, and providing protection for our citizens are but a few examples. These basic services all depend upon reliable statistical information for planning, development, and research activities. I appreciate your agency's vital concern with this most important source of demographic information. You can be confident that West Virginia stands ready to assist the United States General Accounting Office and the Subcommittee on Census and Statistics in every possible way to see that this information is kept current to reflect changing economic patterns. Sincerely, ARCH A. MOORE, Jr., Governor. STATE OF ILLINOIS, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, Springfield, Ill., July 9, 1971. Mr. A. T. SAMUELSON, Director, Civil Division, U.S. General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. SAMUELSON: This is in response to your letter to Governor Ogilvie regarding the need for a mid-decade census of population and uses of census data in the State of Illinois. We in Illinois State Government feel that a middecade census is essential and is preferable to sample surveys. We feel, in fact, that a mid-decade census is mandatory to provide a baseline for planning, to provide a benchmark for revising existing measures of population changes (including movements across political boundaries), and to provide essential information needed to spend funds wisely. We need a mid-decade census to the smallest possible geographic area, providing information on population, employment, income, the labor force, housing, and recreation. Such mid-decade information is essential to: (1) State agency program planning; (2) State agency administrative planning; (3) Local, regional, and state development planning; (4) Urban growth planning; and (5) Economic development planning. Such mid-decade information is also needed to support federal rural development legislation, urban growth legislation, environmental legislation, housing legislation, and block grant legislation. A mid-decade census could provide information on population by age, sex, race, and income status for cities at least as small as 10,000 and for counties, which information could be used to develop useful indices to measure characteristics of target populations. This could prevent eventual wholesale revision of plans and confusion, not to mention potential heavy financial losses from discarding thousands of plans to improve services to selected target populations. Although sample surveys have demonstrable merit for providing data for large target populations, a census would be preferable; for the populations toward which most sample survey efforts are directed are small. While a local count often can be done, the lack of uniformity of such censuses often leads to lack of comparability among areas that are engaged in the same programs. A census provides uniformity and provides data that can be related to other United States Censuses. The cost of conducting a mid-decade census would be very low compared to the total costs of the alternative of many piece-meal local censuses and nonuniformly conducted surveys. In addition to overall cost reduction, the benefits of a mid-decade census would also be measurable in dollars-dollars saved because of the availability of sufficient data to make correct decisions for hospital locations, for types of medical and health services needed for a given target population, for types and sizes of schools and special education facilities, location of merchandising outlets, etc. etc. The mid-decade census should be a relatively inexpensive tool from the consumer's viewpoint, even after he pays his proportionate share of the cost. In addition to our many uses of census data in the various aspects of planning and development and legislation support mentioned above, some more specific uses are: (1) To provide denominators for computing mortality rates, birth rates, fertility rates, etc., for different socio-economic groups; (2) To relate to adequacy of prenatal care for children, and to the adequacy and proper location of clinics for immunization. (Census data in various combinations such as education and income are useful for these.); and (3) To locate geographic areas for nursing and shelter-care homes, using age data by sex and income status. Also, it is noteworthy that at present there are 100 Illinois statutes requiring the use of federal census information, and over 1,250 implying the use of census information. We could go on and on with other specific uses of and needs for mid-decade census data, but perhaps we have sufficiently documented our uses and needs and our concomitant desire to see a mid-decade census. I hope this information is useful to the Subcommittee on Census and Statistics of the House of Representatives in its efforts to see that a mid-decade census is conducted. Sincerely yours, Mr. A. T. SAMUELSON, JOHN L. GENTILE, Deputy Director, Department of Finance. STATE OF MICHIGAN, Director, Civil Division, U.S. General Accounting Office, DEAR MR. SAMUELSON: I thank you for the opportunity to respond to your letter of May 20th requesting information on the use of census data by the |