Part 5/9:
Miscounts of even a few residents can lead to substantial shifts in congressional representation. For instance, New York lost a congressional seat due to a shortfall of just 89 people, illustrating how razor-thin margins can decisively influence political power. The impacts extend beyond representation; they affect funding for crucial services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The hearing's discussions highlighted the importance of understanding which demographics were undercounted and why. A significant note is the longstanding challenges faced by historically underrepresented groups, including Black and Brown communities, who often trust government institutions less and may refrain from participating in the census.