With a potential government shutdown looming and major design decisions for the 2030 decennial census almost upon us, the Insights Association joined more than ninety groups urging higher funding for the Census Bureau in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24).
Since accurate data from the decennial and American Community Survey (ACS) underpin the reliability of statistical sampling for the insights industry, IA and other Census Project stakeholders requested from Congress, “the highest possible level of funding” from the FY24 “Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) appropriations bill” for the decennial census and the ACS.
“Funding levels for the Census Bureau in the House and Senate CJS bills, $1.354 and $1.501 billion, respectively, fall short of what the President requested, and the level” IA supported in the previous coalition letter we signed. “Given the current state of play, however,” our letter urged, Congress should “provide the Census Bureau with no less than the amount recommended by the Senate Appropriations Committee in the final version of the FY 2024 CJS bill.”
We particularly highlighted funding necessities “already a third of the way into” the decennial census lifecycle: “In FY 2024, the Bureau will choose a design and release an initial operational plan for the 2030 Census—decisions that will affect every facet of the next decennial. Sound investments now will help to ensure the future success and cost efficiency of the 2030 Census by reducing the risk of requiring unplanned, additional funding in the peak planning years later in the decade. In addition, increased funding will enable the Bureau to pursue a thoughtful research agenda to ensure the 2030 Census is inclusive and accurate.”
At this point, the CJS bill will presumably only be considered as part of an “omnibus” mashup of federal funding legislation, but even that timeline is unclear. The end of the fiscal year hits on September 30, by which time Congress must agree upon a continuing resolution to fund the government or there will be at least a partial federal government shutdown.
Based in Washington, DC, Howard is the Insights Association's lobbyist for the marketing research and data analytics industry, focusing primarily on consumer privacy and data security, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), tort reform, and the funding and integrity of the decennial Census and the American Community Survey (ACS).
Howard has more than two decades of public policy experience. Before the Insights Association, he worked in Congress as senior legislative staffer for then-Representatives Christopher Cox (CA-48) and Cliff Stearns (FL-06). He also served more than four years with a science policy think tank, working to improve the understanding of scientific and social research and methodology among journalists and policymakers.
Howard is also co-director of The Census Project, a 900+ member coalition in support of a fair and accurate Census and ACS.
He has also served previously on the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics and and the Association of Government Relations Professionals.
Howard has an MA International Relations from the University of Essex in England and a BA Honors Political Studies from Trent University in Canada, and has obtained the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Professional Lobbying Certificate (PLC) and the Public Policy Certificate (PPC).
When not running advocacy for the Insights Association, Howard enjoys hockey, NFL football, sci-fi and horror movies, playing with his dog, and spending time with family and friends.