2020 Census crucial for Southwest Oklahoma

Every day across the state of Oklahoma during the school year, one of the first tasks of a teacher in the morning usually involves taking attendance on a computer which is then sent to the main office. This seemingly mundane task has a direct impact on how billions of dollars in education funding is dedicated to districts across the state. Being counted in this instance is synonymous to the upcoming Census.

Unquestionably, the way to have the most significant, non-partisan impact on the future of public policy in the State of Oklahoma for the next decade, for virtually no cost but a moment of time, is making sure that you, your family, friends, neighbors, and community are counted in the upcoming Census.

Census data directly translate to a myriad of programs, including roads and bridges. In a January budget hearing at the State Capitol, Secretary of Transportation and Director of ODOT Tim Gatz was unequivocal about the impact that the Census will have for transportation funding. Federal grants depend upon the data. The quality of our roads and bridges is vital to the success of our agriculture community to deliver product, for Goodyear Lawton to deliver its millions of tires annually, and for the safety of workers who travel from as far away as Chickasha and Wichita Falls to work in Comanche County. 

Every person counted in the Census is estimated to bring back $1,800 per year into our state. The roughly $9.3 billion annually comes through 55 federal programs. Oklahoma’s Census participation rate in 2010 was 75.5%, while surrounding states like Texas had 76.5%, Arkansas 77%, or Kansas 81.2%. An undercount of just 2% could cost $1.8 billion over a ten-year period. For Comanche County, the stakes are much higher. Since the 2010 Census, as of 2018, we are estimated to have lost 3% of the then 124,098 population, Lawton is estimated to have lost 4.1%. That negative 3% growth rate contrasts with a statewide growth of 5.1%, while Oklahoma City grew by 11.9%. Make no mistake, not only are we competing within our state or regional neighbors in this regard, we are directly competing with the likes of California, New York, and those places that have lost population who are seeking to retain those same federal dollars.

We strongly urge you to not only ensure your participation in the Census, but those around you. The Census is perhaps the only political topic that could be safely brought up at Thanksgiving dinner, and as such we hope that our communities engage in this discourse. You can sign up as a Census worker or be a business partner online at 2020census.gov or census.gov/partners. Responses to the Census can be taken online, by phone, traditional paper questionnaire, or in-person with a Census Bureau employee.