Georgia to gain congressional seat

ATLANTA – Georgia is adding a 14th congressional district as a result of this year’s census.

Overall, the state’s population grew by 18.3 percent between 2000 and 2010, the latest Census reveals. There are now more than 308.7 million residents.

“Today’s announcement reinforces my belief that Georgia remains one of the greatest destinations for Americans looking for great opportunity and a high quality of life,” Gov.-elect Nathan Deal said in a statement. “As our state continues to grow, so does our influence and stature on the national stage. I think it will serve our nation well to have another Georgian in the House. It will serve our state well to add to our clout in the Electoral College.”

The nation’s population grew by 9.7 percent. At 35.1 percent, Nevada was the fastest growing state. On the flip side, Michigan was the only state to see a population decrease, with 0.6 percent fewer residents today than a decade ago.

“The decennial count has been the basis for our representative form of government since 1790,” Census Bureau Director Robert Groves said in a news release. “At that time, each member of the House represented about 34,000 residents. Since then, the House has more than quadrupled in size, with each member now representing about 21 times as many constituents.”

A total of 10 states will be losing congressional seats as a result of the census. Ohio and New York top the list, with both states losing two seats. At the same time, eight states are adding congressional seats – Texas leads the pack with a gain of four seats.

This year’s Census was the 23 in the nation’s history. The 113th Congress, which convenes in January 2013, will be the first reapportioned Congress.