Critical funding depends on accurate census count, Sen. Brown says
Dayton Daily News – DAYTON — A lot is riding on the census forms that hit 120 million mailboxes last week.
The decennial count of everyone in America will not only provide welcome — if short-lived — employment for 1 million folks nationwide struggling in a bad economy, but a lot of money and political leverage is also on the line for state and local governments.
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, released a statement last week showing how much the state and counties would lose if Ohioans don’t get counted. If only 2 percent of Ohio residents aren’t counted in the census, the Democratic senator said, the state could lose $2.7 billion over the next 10 years. Montgomery County would lose more than $128 million. When the nine-county area around Dayton is included, more than $392 million is at risk.
“Critical funds that promote economic development, keep our communities safe, and help those in need are at stake,” Brown said.
