Vital Census Tool Gets Axe in the House

The elimination of the ACS, should it come to pass, would be a significant blow to a variety of fields that rely on its data. The ACS, "is now the primary source of vital community data and [is] used by key federal programs, like the Community Development Block Grants, in determining funding allocations. It is also heavily relied upon by businesses, economists, academics and, of course, planners," notes Jordan.

Approved by a 232 to 190 vote, the amedment to eliminate the American Community Survey (ACS) was offered by Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.), following approval of an earlier amendment making ACS responses voluntary (a significant challenege to the accuracy of the data in itself).

According to Jordan, "Census supporters, ranging from corporations to equity organizations, plan to mount an aggressive effort in the Senate to block the ACS provisions."