HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut’s population slightly increased over the past decade, according to new census data released Monday, which showed the state will retain its five congressional seats.

The census counted 3,605,994 residents in the state in 2020, compared to 3,574,097 a decade ago, marking a 0.9% increase in population. Connecticut remains the 29th most populous state in the U.S.

Release of the new census numbers came on the same day the eight members of the state's Reapportionment Committee met for the first time. They chose Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, and state Rep. Greg Haddad, D-Mansfield, as the co-chairmen of the bipartisan group charged with redrawing Connecticut's legislative and congressional district boundaries.

The lawmakers noted, however, they won't have all the census data they need until mid-August, instead of mid-April, as originally planned. Also, Kelly said they still need to determine how best to hold public hearings in each of the five congressional districts, given ongoing concerns about COVID-19.

“We’re going to have to work and get through those challenges to see what it will look like,” Kelly said. “But we do want to make sure that we get as much input as possible.”

Details about the committee, including an email address, have been posted on the Connecticut General Assembly's website.