Utah Prepares to Challenge Census Estimates

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Utah might become the first state to challenge the U.S. Census population estimates. Governor's economist Robert Spendlove says last year the census figure was about 75,000 people less than the number tallied by the Utah Population Estimates Committee.

That number is based on data from schools, utility companies, job numbers, the tax commission and the LDS Church. Spendlove says if the Census estimate due to be released next month shows a similar discrepancy, it could warrant a statewide challenge.

If successful, it would alleviate the need for individual cities to challenge their own estimates - which a dozen Utah cities do each year. Further, it could mean more federal funding for the Beehive State.

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