HJR 19-SUPPORT 2020 DECENNIAL CENSUS  8:22:49 AM CHAIR ZULKOSKY announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19, Urging the United States Congress to fully fund the United States Census Bureau for the 2020 Census; urging the governor to prioritize an accurate count for the 2020 Census; and urging local governments to establish local complete count commissions. 8:23:10 AM GRACE SINGH, Staff, Representative Tiffany Zulkosky, presented HJR 19 on behalf of Representative Zulkosky, prime sponsor. She said Alaska receives $3.2 billion in federal funding each year, and the receipt of that funding is tied to U.S. Census data. She said the maintenance of that federal funding during times of budget constraint is critical to Alaska's economy. Lack of accurate census data "discourages investments in communities across the state." Organizations across the state rely on the funds. The undercounting of Alaskans in the U.S. Census can result in a loss of $3,000 per person annually, which amounts to $30,000 per person over a 10-year period. She said Alaska is considered one of the most difficult states to count in the U.S. Census because of its geographic, language, and connectivity barriers. MS. SINGH stated that Alaska needs a count commission that can prioritize an accurate count of the population "before starting conversations about how the data will be used." She concluded, "As the 2020 Census launches its count in Toksook Bay, on January 21, 2020, it is imperative that Alaska's leadership at all levels of government prioritize an accurate count." 8:25:06 AM CHAIR ZULKOSKY related that HJR 19 was crafted in response to a presentation heard by the House Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee on Tuesday. 8:25:23 AM REPRESENTATIVE KOPP noted that the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development (DCCED) uses information from the U.S. Census for state revenue sharing purposes. 8:26:34 AM GREG BRINGHURST, Director, Public Policy and External Affairs, Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA), testified in support of HJR 19. He said the data gained through the U.S. Census is used to determine allocations for many programs, including those pertaining to roads, transportation, housing programs, water and wastewater systems, education, and substance abuse prevention and treatment. He said CIHA believes that HJR 19 would support the ongoing efforts in Alaska to ensure a complete and accurate count. He expressed appreciation for language in the joint resolution that encourages participation and coordination with the State of Alaska, as well as encouraging local governments to establish complete count commissions (CCCs), many of which are ongoing or being established currently. He said a CCC is an excellent way for tribal and local governments to "coordinate and cooperate with the U.S. Census Borough in a formal way." Local knowledge can be used to build trust in communities and educate residents on why the U.S. Census really matters and to promote full participation. 8:29:57 AM MIKE WALSH, Ph.D., Vice President, Public Policy, The Foraker Group, testified in support of HJR 29. He relayed his involvement with the Alaska Census Work Group. He echoed the point about Alaska being difficult to count in the U.S. Census because of its remote locations. He stated that The Foraker Group believes HJR 19 emphasizes the importance of a fair and accurate count, highlights the important role the federal government plays in funding the U.S. Census Borough effort and the essential role of the state in engaging all Alaskans to be counted, and brings attention to the importance of local governments to establish the CCCs. He expressed appreciation for the related discussion heard during the joint meeting of the House Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee and the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs early this week. 8:32:24 AM CHAIR ZULKOSKY opened public testimony on HJR 19. 8:32:39 AM NILS ANDREASSEN, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal League (AML), emphasized the importance of ensuring an accurate count in the U.S. Census. He listed the amounts other states are considering investing toward ensuring a complete count: Colorado, $12 million; Virginia, $1.5 million; Maryland, $4 million; Washington, $12 million; Nevada, $5 million; California, $90 million; and North Carolina, $1.5 million. He said even though the Office of Management & Budget has confirmed the availability of "some" funding, he feels HJR 19 and the legislature's support of a complete count is important. He said AML is encouraged that the CCC includes local governments but encourages "increased and meaningful cooperation and coordination" between the Office of the Governor, the United States Census Bureau, and AML. Mr. Andreassen related that AML is offering incentives to local governments to form CCCs and will continue to do so in the next months. More importantly, AML will encourage communities to try to change the numbers from the 2010 United States Census. He expressed AML's support of "your" efforts. 8:34:49 AM CHAIR ZULKOSKY, after ascertaining that there was no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HJR 19. 8:35:05 AM REPRESENTATIVE VANCE moved to adopt Amendment 1 to HJR 19, as follows: On page 3, line 3: Following "shall be sent to" Insert "Governor Michael J. Dunleavy" There being no objection, Amendment 1 was adopted. 8:35:55 AM REPRESENTATIVE LINCOLN moved to report HJR 19, as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. 8:36:10 AM REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO objected for the purpose of discussion. He emphasized the importance of an accurate census toward ensuring equal representation throughout Alaska. He then removed his objection. 8:37:09 AM CHAIR ZULKOSKY announced that there being no further objection [CSHJR 19(TRB)] was reported out of the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs.