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Rhode Island KIDS COUNT has submitted a public comment strongly opposing the federal proposed rule “Decennial Census of the Population of Americans; Proposed Residence Criteria and Proposed Regulations for Demographic Questions” (RIN 0607-AA75). This proposed rule would change who is counted in the 2030 Census and what information is collected. That would put the accuracy of the count at risk and cost Rhode Island communities federal funding, fair representation, and the reliable data needed to plan for children’s needs.
What’s at stake for Rhode Island
Young children under age 5 are the most undercounted group in the Census. In 2020, they were missed at a rate of 5.4%, the highest of any age group. A child missed in 2030 won’t be counted again until high school. Our comment highlights how the proposed rule would make this worse:
- Race and ethnicity data would no longer be collected, making it harder to see and address disparities.
- Sexual orientation questions would be permanently banned.
- Visa holders, refugees, asylum seekers, and others would be excluded from the count.
- A citizenship question could keep immigrant families, including those with U.S.-born children, from responding.
- Guidance for children in shared custody, multigenerational homes, and foster care would be dropped.
- Reliance on tax records would miss dependent children.
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Incarcerated people would be counted where prisons are located, not in the communities they come from.
We urge the Department of Commerce to withdraw the proposed changes, extend the comment period to December 10, and ensure every person living in the United States is counted “once, only once, and in the right place.” Read our full comment here.
Make your voice heard by November 2
Anyone can submit a public comment on this proposed rule. Comments from parents, educators, providers, and community members show federal officials how these changes would affect real families. You don’t need to be an expert, and templates are available to help you get started! The deadline is Monday, November 2. Personalized comments that share how the Census affects your family or community carry the most weight.
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