Florida's census undercount poses risks to funding for vital services
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(Florida News Connection) According to some experts, a significant undercount in Florida's 2020 census may have lasting consequences for the state, jeopardizing vital funding and representation for communities in need.
The census affects funding allocations for key Medicaid and early education programs.
Dominic Calabro, president and CEO of Florida Tax Watch, said the 750,000 uncounted residents have left the state "shortchanged," costing Florida billions in federal resources and potentially reducing its influence in national elections.
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"When it comes to caring for children, this is, conservatively, I mean absolute, the lowest number is 10 billion, but it's more like 20, 21 billion plus over 10 years," Calabro outlined. "That's a lot of dough. That's money that's going to other states and communities where people Americans no longer live."
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, undercounts are a common challenge for states with transient populations. The Bureau has acknowledged historical undercounts, their effects and how they are "diligently working to address this issue" to improve census accuracy. Florida's shortfall also affects political representation.
Calabro believes the undercount may have cost Florida one or two congressional seats, reducing the state's voice in federal policymaking.
Local governments and organizations relying on the funding may face service challenges. Looking ahead to the 2030 census, Florida officials and advocacy organizations, including Florida TaxWatch, are exploring ways to reach more people.
Calabro stressed the plan is to get everyone to work together.
"Then focus on the harder to reach folks like children and those, particularly those under the age of six, and those that are both minorities and those are transient and moving about and migrants," Calabro explained.
In 2022, the Census Bureau formed the Undercount of Young Children Working Group, which is focused on identifying underlying causes of the undercount of young children and improving data on this population. The working group is researching ways to enhance the count of young children in the 2030 census.
