Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill Moves To Floor; Serrano Provisions Included

“I have long fought for the greatest level of accuracy and fairness in the Census’ count,” said Serrano. “I am pleased that the Appropriations Committee approved my language in this bill guaranteeing people have the option of specifying “some other race” in response to race questions.

“They also approved my report language ensuring data on small population groups or subgroups is accurately collected and made available.

“In addition, my report language also made certain that state corrections agencies are able to work with their federal counterparts to update and improve their inmate address reporting. The Census Bureau has previously cited this as an impediment to counting inmates at their prior home of record rather than at their place of incarceration.

“The Census happens only once every 10 years, and is of fundamental importance to so many government and societal activities. We have an obligation to get the count right—and to count people the right way. My language and opposition to cuts to the Census budget reflect my commitment to the Census’ core mission of the most accurate count possible.”

The bill included important increases for the Census Bureau, which needs the funding to conduct the 2010 Census; the Legal Services Corporation, which provides legal representation for low-income Americans; and for the Second Chance Act, a series of programs designed to help ensure that individuals recently released from prison have the resources to become productive members of society and not to return to a life of crime.