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"The federal government has chosen to drag its feet by delaying
the release of census data instead of following the law," Ohio
Attorney General Dave Yost said in a statement.
"The people of Ohio have found ways to meet their
responsibilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic - adapting how
we run businesses, caring for loved ones, home schooling
children - why should the government create a double standard?"
U.S. census data used once a decade to redraw legislative
districts will not be made available until September, officials
said earlier this month, a delay that could make it difficult
for states to finish new maps in time for the 2022 congressional
elections.
In announcing a new release date of Sept. 30, the Census Bureau
cited lingering delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which
forced the bureau to shut down many of its data collection
operations last spring as lockdowns swept the country.
Ohio's lawsuit asked a federal judge to restore a Mar. 31
deadline for the Census Bureau to turn over 2020 census figures
that are used for redrawing congressional and legislative
districts, instead of the Sept. 30 deadline.
The bureau previously set a target of July, which was already
months later than the data is typically provided to states.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian
Schmollinger)
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