The Census Bureau has released its 2010 data and it shows that Michigan was the only state in the nation to actually lose population over the last ten years falling to 9,883,640 from 9,938,444. Although we remain the eighth largest state, Michigan will now be faced with losing one congressional seat when redistricting occurs later this year.
Losing population also means that Michigan will receive less federal funds for any number of different programs impacting both the state and local communities. Over 140 federal programs use census data to distribute funds including programs such as the Community Development Block Grant program. As an example, in 2007-08 Michigan received $16 billion in federal funding, most of it for Medicaid.
The Michigan League for Human Services calculates that the population decline will cost Michigan about $1,000 in federal aid per year per resident lost for each of the next 10 years — about $548 million.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail
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