Trump Administration Cuts Back 2030 Census Practice Test Sites
5 weeks ago
The Trump administration is scaling back its plans for a 2030 Census practice test, eliminating four of six sites initially scheduled to participate. The test, which began Monday, will now be conducted only in Huntsville, Alabama, and Spartanburg, South Carolina, according to a notice from the Commerce Department.
Officials did not provide an explanation for the reduction, but population researchers warn that the decision could negatively affect communities that are traditionally hard to count, including tribal lands and rural areas. Such communities rely on early testing to ensure accurate enumeration and outreach in the full census.
Experts say reducing testing in these areas could hinder preparation for challenges unique to hard-to-count populations, potentially impacting funding and representation allocations down the line.
Officials did not provide an explanation for the reduction, but population researchers warn that the decision could negatively affect communities that are traditionally hard to count, including tribal lands and rural areas. Such communities rely on early testing to ensure accurate enumeration and outreach in the full census.
Experts say reducing testing in these areas could hinder preparation for challenges unique to hard-to-count populations, potentially impacting funding and representation allocations down the line.
