HR0907 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0907 LRB096 20215 KXB 35787 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The date of April 1, 2010 is Census Day in the United States; it is important that citizens of the United States answer the questions truthfully and understand that the census is not a scam, but is an important and vital fact-checking and gathering tool used to benefit everyone; and

WHEREAS, The decennial census is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution; and

WHEREAS, The first census in the United States was conducted in 1790, when 4 million people were counted; the 2010 census is expected to count over 300 million people; and

WHEREAS, Data collected during the course of the decennial census offers a snapshot of our nation's rich diversity, informs government decisions about nearly $15 billion in annual funding, or approximately $1,100 per capita, for important social and human services, education, and infrastructure programs, and determines the proper apportionment of Illinois' representation in the United States Congress; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois gains significant benefits when all of its inhabitants are counted, particularly during challenging economic times; the census helps provide funding for hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridge, tunnel, and road repairs and other public works projects, and emergency services; and

WHEREAS, The United States Census Bureau is bound by law to keep any information collected during the 2010 Census confidential; private information is never published and it is against the law to disclose or publish names, addresses, social security numbers, or telephone numbers; census takers are subject to a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both for unlawful disclosure; and

WHEREAS, The Census 2010 questionnaire contains 6 questions regarding 10 topics, but does not ask questions about a respondent's Social Security number or current immigration status; and

WHEREAS, Governor Pat Quinn has pledged the State of Illinois' full participation in the 2010 Census; on September 20, 2009, the Governor established a Complete Count Committee to facilitate the pledge; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the citizens of the State of Illinois to complete the Census 2010 questionnaire by April 1, 2010 to ensure that Illinois is fully and completely represented; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge all public officials in Illinois to cooperate fully with the U.S. Census Bureau and assist the Bureau with its efforts to make a complete count in Illinois.