Have you filled out your U.S. Census form yet? If so – congratulations – you have helped to ensure that New York City is allocated potentially thousands of dollars per person in crucial federal funding supported by our own tax dollars.
If you have NOT filled out your Census yet, here’s the short version of why you should before the October 5 deadline:
- The census – which is tabulated every 10 years – decides how 1.5 trillion dollars in federal funding will be spent over the next decade. This funding goes towards more than 100 programs, a number of which benefit some of our most vulnerable populations, programs like Medicaid, Head Start, and SNAP – as well as support for schools, public housing, roads, businesses and myriad other public needs.
- It also decides how our Congressional districts are drawn. Currently, New York is on track to lose one seat in the House of Representatives – representation in Washington, D.C. that our communities desperately need.
- The Census helps determine how funding is allocated in case of an emergency – $150 billion in COVID Stimulus 2 federal funding was sent to states based on Census data. The 2020 Census will have implications for our ability to adequately respond to COVID-19 and its socioeconomic damage for years to come.
- Your answers to the census are strictly confidential. Every Census employee takes an oath to protect your personal information for life.
As of August 20, New York City had a Census response rate of only 56.2%, compared to a national rate of 64%. Historically, the Census has under-counted minority communities — Black men in particular — costing these communities much-needed funding. Given the way COVID has disproportionately affected Black and brown communities, now is an opportunity to ensure they get the support they need.
Fill out the Census today and then tell your friends and family members to do the same.
In solidarity,
Mutual Aid NYC