Rep. Cushingberry offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 152.

            A resolution to memorialize Congress to provide funding for the partnership program of the United States Census Bureau.

            Whereas, Established in our federal constitution at the founding of our nation, the decennial census has been a central component of our democracy throughout our history. Although best known as the foundation for congressional apportionment and the distribution of resources, the national census is essential to making sure all Americans are represented fully and accurately; and

            Whereas, The 2000 census made much-needed strides in the challenge of counting all our people. Racial minorities in particular were more accurately tabulated than ever before. The key to this breakthrough was the network of partnerships that was established prior to 2000. Partnerships were created between the United States Census Bureau and thousands of organizations, including churches; state, local, and tribal governments; corporations; and community groups. In all, 140,000 partnerships were established prior to the census; and

            Whereas, In an effort to build upon the success of the 2000 census, the United States Census Bureau has requested appropriations to revive the partnership program in preparation for the 2010 census. Without the partnerships, the likelihood of serious undercounts, especially within our minority communities, is virtually certain for 2010; and

            Whereas, In its budget proposal, the White House has allocated nothing for the partnership program for the census. Clearly, as the federal budget process proceeds, the impact of the partnership program as a vital element of a successful census must be acknowledged. To ignore the vital importance of an accurate counting of our people is to ignore one of our democracy's most effective and fundamental tools; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress to provide funding for the partnership program of the United States Census Bureau as a vital step in the process of procuring an accurate count in the 2010 national census; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.