SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8015
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections, February 2, 2018
Brief Description: Concerning census funding.
Sponsors: Senators Frockt, Wellman, Conway, Hunt, Cleveland, Chase, Hasegawa, Mullet, Kuderer, Ranker, Takko, Saldaña, Billig, Keiser, Rolfes, Pedersen, Nelson, Darneille, McCoy, Liias and Van De Wege.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/02/18 [DP, w/oRec].
Brief Summary of Joint Memorial |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hunt, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Saldaña.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators Miloscia, Ranking Member; Zeiger.
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution mandates that the federal government conduct a national census every ten years. Census data determines the apportionment of each state's representation in the House of Representatives. Census data is provided to the states to redistrict congressional and legislative districts and is used to allocate federal funding, including grants and services provided to the states.
The federal Census Bureau, which administers the decennial census and conducts ongoing planning in preparation for each census, is currently planning to conduct a comprehensive test run before the official census counting begins in April 2020. The director of the Census Bureau resigned in June 2017 and has not been permanently replaced.
The Census Bureau receives funding for the census from the United States Department of Commerce through congressional appropriation. In October 2017, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross testified before Congress to request additional funding for the 2020 census.
Summary of Joint Memorial: The Legislature urges Congress to immediately provide adequate funding for the 2020 census and appoint a new director of the Census Bureau.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: It is important that we make a statement that the census have full funding and be done adequately and without partisan interference. Accurate numbers are important for the drawing of legislative districts. Washington is a fast-growing state that has added a congressional seat after three of the last four censuses.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator David Frockt, Prime Sponsor; David Elliott, Office of the Secretary of State.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.