A new congressional report has confirmed significant errors in the 2020 Census count – mistakes that could cost states like Nevada millions in federal funding and weaken our political representation.
The findings come from a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing on December 5, 2024, which reviewed the Census Bureau’s Post-Enumeration Survey (PES).
The survey revealed that 14 states experienced major overcounts or undercounts in 2020. Some states received more congressional seats and federal dollars than they were entitled to. Others, undercounted, lost out.
Nevada was not listed among the states with large counting errors, but that doesn’t mean the Silver State is unaffected. When one state gets more than its fair share, others are left with less.
For Nevada, those consequences could include reduced funding for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public safety; areas where federal allocations are tied directly to population numbers.
Every decade, the Census determines more than just congressional seats. It also serves as the basis for distributing over $2 trillion in federal funds. That money supports programs ranging from Medicaid to highway construction.
If other states were overcounted, they could be receiving funds intended for states like Nevada.
Federal law prohibits using the PES to change congressional apportionment once official Census numbers are certified. However, Congress could still use the corrected data to more fairly distribute federal funds.
Republicans largely argue that the PES results prove the need for reform – not only to ensure accurate counts in the future, but also to prevent unfair funding losses today.
They note that many of the states overcounted lean Democrat, while several undercounted states lean Republican, raising concerns about partisan advantage.
Democrats on the committee, while acknowledging errors, cautioned against using survey data to reallocate funds. They warned it could set a precedent that invites legal and political challenges after every census.
While Nevada’s official count may not be in dispute, its share of federal funds could still be impacted by miscounts elsewhere.
Nevada lawmakers (particularly its congressional delegation) will need to decide whether to join calls for funding adjustments based on the PES.
The decision could mean millions in additional resources for state programs.
With the next Census still five years away, conservatives say the time to act is now.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
