Elijah Cummings: “as a candidate for the presidency, his opposition to using modern scientific methods sends a strong message that has…”

“as a candidate for the presidency, his opposition to using modern scientific methods sends a strong message that has outreached a minority community those traditionally undercounted is not genuine. It is unfortunate but not surprising that compassionate conservatism does not include the community I represent. Currently, Baltimore City has a dismal 48 percent response rate. The target was 68 percent. Despite our best efforts, we cannot improve this rate nor ensure a complete and accurate census when constituents are bombarded with messages from elected officials that they do not have to fill out the form. I urge naysayers to stop spreading these negative messages and encourage residents to fulfill their civic duty by completing and returning their census forms. A complete and accurate Census 2000 will ensure that education, accessible health care, child care, access to jobs, and the protection of civil rights are available for all. Again, those first-graders sitting there and then standing and pledging allegiance to the flag, where will they be in 10 years? What will they have accomplished if we do not do what we are supposed to do and fill out our forms? It is a simple act. And as I told some constituents the other day, when they fail to fill out that form and they have five people in their house, that means six people are not counted. And so, Mr. Speaker, again our citizens deserve no less.”