“The NALEO Educational Fund is pleased that the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment of Dr. Robert Groves to serve as Director of the U.S. Census Bureau. The confirmation of Dr. Groves fills an important leadership void at the Census Bureau. Dr. Groves is a highly-qualified professional who understands the science and substance
of the Census and the Bureau, and who is fully committed to a process that counts everyone. He is the right person to lead the Bureau at this critical time of planning for next year’s enumeration.

“With a new Director confirmed, it is time for the Census Bureau to move forward to ensure that the 2010 enumeration produces the most accurate count possible of the nation’s population. It is critical that the Bureau implement a communications and outreach plan that takes into account the current economic and social realities confronting residents of the nation. The Bureau’s advertising must connect with Americans who have been displaced or lost homes because of natural disasters or our economic crisis. It must assure residents of the confidentiality of the information provided during the enumeration.

“The Census Bureau must also ensure that its Census 2010 workforce reflects the diversity of the nation’s population, from its highest managerial positions to its field enumerators.

“In addition, we urge Congress to do its part by providing sufficient funding in the FY 2010 budget to effectively implement the 2010 enumeration. The 2010 Census involves the largest peacetime mobilization of America’s federal personnel and resources, and the Bureau must have the funding needed to meet this challenge.

“Finally, we strongly condemn the efforts of a small group of organizations with extremist views, and even a member of Congress, calling for a boycott of the enumeration. A boycott would only exacerbate the undercount, which would hurt neighborhoods and communities. Encouraging anyone not to participate in the census is
simply wrong.

“Unfortunately, the Latino population has never been fully counted in the decennial enumeration, and Census Bureau estimates suggest that the 2000 Census may have missed as many as 1 million Latinos. Let us be clear: the only way to achieve a successful census is to count all Latinos.

“We are committed to helping the Bureau eliminate the undercount through our participation in the ya es hora, ¡HAGASE CONTAR! (It’s Time, Make Yourself Count!) Campaign. The Campaign – an unprecedented coalition of national Spanish-language media and Latino organizations - will promote the importance of the census, educate
members of the community about filling out their census forms and encourage households to mail back their responses once they complete their forms.

“We congratulate Dr. Groves on his confirmation and look forward to working with him and the Bureau to ensure a successful 2010 enumeration.”