LOS ANGELES, CA - The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) issued the following statement regarding the nomination by President Obama of U.S. Senator Judd Gregg for Secretary of Commerce:

“Secretary of Commerce-Designate Judd Gregg’s record raises serious questions about his willingness to ensure that the 2010 Census produces the most accurate possible count of the nation’s population.

“As a current member and former chairman of the subcommittee that funds the U.S. Census Bureau,
Secretary-Designate Gregg fought President Clinton’s efforts to increase funding for the Commerce Department to administer the 2000 census.  During his tenure in the U.S. Senate, some policymakers questioned his commitment to supporting the basic functions of the Bureau.

“NALEO will be closely monitoring the confirmation process to learn more about Secretary-Designate Gregg’s view of the Department’s responsibility to conduct an accurate census. 

“An accurate decennial Census and a full count of America’s population are essential for our nation’s well-being and prosperity.  Census data are the fundamental building blocks for reapportionment and redistricting, which determine the contours of our representative democracy.  Policymakers and planners at all levels of government rely on these data to make important decisions about their services, such as the number of teachers that will be needed in their classrooms, the best places to build new roads, or the best way to provide job training.  The accuracy of Census data is also important for the effective allocation of government funding for schools, hospitals, and other vital social programs.  These decisions affect the lives of all Americans.

“With Census 2010 less than a year and a half away, it is critical that the Census Bureau move forward effectively with its planning, enumeration and outreach activities.  This cannot happen unless the Secretary of Commerce demonstrates strong leadership and full support for the Bureau’s important work. 

“The U.S. House of Representatives and the Obama Administration have recognized the importance of the 2010 Census by including $1 billion of Census funding in the economic stimulus package.  As the leading Latino organization in the area of Census policy development and public education, NALEO hopes to learn whether the Secretary-Designate is willing to provide the leadership needed to fulfill this commitment and ensure a successful 2010 enumeration.”

 

About NALEO
The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) is the leadership organization of the nation's more than 6,000 Latino elected and appointed officials.