LANSING — Citing a potentially devastating impact on Michigan’s electoral and congressional representation, as well as its share of federal funding, Sen. Cameron Brown has introduced a resolution calling on Congress to include a statement of citizenship on the 2010 national census form.

“Accurate census results are critical to ensuring that Michigan receives the congressional representation and the share of taxpayer dollars we deserve,” said Brown, R-Fawn River Township.  “Both are threatened if the census does not include a simple statement of citizenship.”

The national census, conducted once per decade, is used to determine congressional apportionment, the number of electoral votes per state, and the allocation of federal funds for schools, hospitals, roads, and more.

The planned 2010 census form requires respondents to provide information such as their age, gender, and ethnicity, but does not confirm their status as United States citizens.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) reports that reapportionment based on a census count that includes both citizens and non-citizens will result in Western and Southern states earning additional congressional representation at the expense of states like Michigan.

“The right of Michigan citizens to equal representation in Congress is threatened by the current census policy,” said Brown.  “If Congress fails to act, the people of Michigan will be wrongly punished because our state is not the destination for as many non-citizens as other states.”

Source:  News release from state Sen. Cameron Brown