Governor Kelly highlights importance of accurate 2020 Census, Creates Kansas Complete Count Committee, appoints co-chairs

Topeka, Kan. – This morning, through Executive Order 19-07, Governor Laura Kelly launched an initiative to make every Kansan count. She established the Kansas Complete Count Committee (CCC) to ensure that every Kansan is represented in the 2020 Census.

A CCC is a volunteer committee established by tribal, state and local governments and community leaders or organizations to increase awareness and motivate residents to respond to the 2020 Census.

“As Governor, I’m committed to ensuring the data we collect is as accurate as possible,” Kelly said. “The data collected in the census informs how the federal government distributes funds to our state – through 55 different federal programs. And it’s these funds that help to pay for roads, schools, hospitals, emergency services and much more.”

Getting an accurate count in the Census is paramount. Census population totals determine the number of seats each state has in the United States House of Representatives. State totals are also used to redraw legislative and school districts.

For every person not counted in the Census, Kansas stands to lose $1,539 in federal funds per year for 10 years.

“The Census matters because it impacts everything from school lunches to libraries to wastewater systems,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “It’s vital to Kansas businesses and communities that we have a full and accurate count in 2020, and Commerce is honored to work hand in hand with the Committee and local partners to make sure that happens.”

Brian McClendon of Lawrence and Joyce Warshaw of Dodge City will serve as co-chairs of the Kansas Complete Count Committee. McClendon is a professor at the University of Kansas and the former Vice President of Google and Uber. Warshaw serves on the Board of Directors for the Kansas League of Municipalities and is a Dodge City Commissioner.

CCCs already are operating in Sedgwick, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties, with others are being formed across Kansas. Additional members of the Kansas CCC will be announced at a later date.

“Next year, on April 1, I encourage Kansans to respond to the Census, and be sure to count everyone living in your household,” Governor Kelly said. “That includes children and newborn babies. Everyone needs to be counted.”

For more information, go to kansascommerce.gov/census.