Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) released the following statement after the U.S. Census Bureau announced that Minnesota will maintain eight congressional seats in the 2021 reapportionment process:

“Minnesota's high Census participation rates and population growth over the past decade means we’ll be keeping our representation, and clout, in Congress,” said Rep. Phillips. “That’s outstanding news. Minnesotans contribute more than our fair share to Washington, and I’m renewing my mission to bring more support back to our communities. This issue affects all Minnesotans, and I invite people and representatives of all political perspectives to join me in redoubling our efforts to advocate for the federal investments we deserve - and need - in this Congress and beyond.”

In addition to determining the number of congressional districts within each state, the U.S. Census also impacts the distribution of trillions of dollars in federal funding for programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Head Start. Reduced federal funding would have a particularly large impact on Minnesota, which currently pays $1.8 billion more to the federal government each year than it receives in support.