The clock is ticking to fill out the 2020 Census. With all the budget cuts and tax increases proposed for Sullivan County – Now is not the time to ignore the Census.
Although a federal court judge ruled late last week that Census taking can continue until October 31, 2020, the Trump administration is fighting it. If there is no extension granted – Census taking will end this week.
The ramifications of a low Sullivan County Census County Will Be Devastating for Us! Please Complete the 2020 Census!
Two years ago, I was asked by former Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Luis Alvarez to be on the 2020 Sullivan County Census Committee.
Leaders from all over Sullivan County were brought together to devise a plan to convince Sullivan County residents to fill out the 2020 census.
Sadly, Sullivan County ranks one of the lowest in New York State when it comes to filling out the census. We will lose millions in funding if the residents do not immediately fill out the census. The clock is ticking, and people are working very hard throughout Sullivan County to get the message out.
The COVID19 Crisis did not help the organizational efforts, but members remained steadfast in their mission to convince Sullivan County residents how important filling out the census is.
Saraid Gonzalez, Program Director of Sullivan 180 and one of the leaders of the Sullivan County 2020 Census Push, told me Census numbers “Determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, Defines congressional and state legislative districts, school districts and voting precincts. It determines the annual allocation of hundreds of billions dollars in federal funding Medicaid, SNAP, Hwy Planning, Section 8 Housing, Special Education Grants, S-CHIP, Title I Grants, National School Lunch Program, WIC, Head Start, Foster Care, Health Center Programs. And, it provides insight to governments, business and community planning groups for planning purposes.”
There are four ways to respond in 2020: 1. Online; 2. Phone; 3. Paper; and 4. Personal Visit by Census Employee (least favorable, especially during a pandemic)
There is language support online, by phone, and by mail for 13 languages that covers 99% of the households in the USA
Gonzalez pointed out that filling out the Census is safe. “You will never be asked for: 1. Your social security number; 2. Money or donations; 3. Anything on behalf of a political party; or 4. Your bank or credit card account numbers.”
She added, “Private information is never published, including names, addresses (including GPS coordinates), Social Security Numbers, and telephone numbers.”
The Census Bureau collects information to produce statistics. Personal information collected by the Census Bureau cannot be used against respondents by any government agency or court.
Census Bureau employees are sworn to protect confidentiality for life.
Violating Title 13 of the US Code is a serious federal crime. Violators are subject to severe penalties, including a federal prison sentence of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
“Our communities of color are at risk for being undercounted. Our families and children’s health, well-being and education are at stake. 2020 is a huge opportunity to have our voices heard. We have the power to decide our counties future for the next 10 years.”
Freda Eisenberg, Commissioner of Sullivan County Division of Planning, Community Development & Real Property told me, “Getting as complete a count as possible for the 2020 census is a pocketbook issue. A George Washington University study estimates that each person not counted can cost a community approximately $3,000 in federal aid per year for the 10-year census period. That’s money for a range of federal aid programs including education, senior services, nutrition programs and roads. Every single person will be impacted in some way by those funding allocations. And if the share of these programs and services paid by local governments increases because of an undercount, households may see those costs passed down to them in property taxes or rent.”
Sullivan County legislator Luis Alvarez said, “It is important to fill up the census it will determine the amount of grants assigned to the county it also will help us with our political geographical area determining how many representatives we need legislators in other political units. Each one of you counts It will determine all the benefits that the county will get. Every little one counts.”
Legislator Nadia Rajsz pointed out that “Filling out the census is very important, this way we can get accurate numbers of residents, all heads counted in each household, to get the all the services and funding we deserve. We cannot afford to continue to be under counted and under funded.The future of Sullivan residents especially our youth depends on an accurate census.”
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said, “Completing your census form is so important for our communities. Each person not counted costs the state over $2600 in federal funding every year. This money goes toward things like healthcare, education, and emergency services. If you’re having any trouble accessing your census form, please don’t hesitate to contact my office any time.”
State Senator Jen Metzger added, “Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau undertakes the mammoth task of counting all of the people residing in the United States. It is absolutely vital that every Sullivan County resident is counted because it determines how much federal and state funding Sullivan communities receive to meet important community needs, including funding for schools, roads and bridges, hospitals, and libraries. For every person who is not counted, that is $3,000 LESS for our communities, and we need this funding now more than ever.”
Denise Frangipane, Executive Director at Sullivan Renaissance said the “The 2020 census is a very tangible way that we can affect our community. By participating we make sure that Sullivan County can be positioned to receive funding, fair representation and resources that might otherwise pass us by. Its the exact meaning of everyone counts.
It’s easy and takes just 10 minutes:
Don’t wait to receive a paper Census form – you may not get one
Fill it out online at www.my2020census.gov
Or fill it out over the phone at 1-844-330-2020
Espanol: 1-844-468-2020
Other languages: www.2020census.gov/en/languages.html
The final chance to respond to the 2020 U.S. Census is here, and Sullivan County still ranks second-to-last in Statewide response rates.
“Up to $3,000 in Federal aid is lost per year for each person who is not counted in the Census, and after the close of this Census on September 30, 2020, we will have to wait a full 10 years before we get another chance,” noted Sullivan County Census Coordinator Saraid Gonzalez. “With only 35.2% of our population responding to date, that’s millions of dollars that we risk never receiving – unless we all step up and do the right thing: fill out the Census.”
In an effort to “get out the count,” Sullivan County and its partner agencies – Sullivan 180, Ramapo-Catskill Library System, Maternal Infant Services Network and Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library – have utilized State grant funding to create a blitz of videos, ads and events. See those outreach materials, and get the latest updates, at www.facebook.com/SullivanCountyCounts.
I am pleading with everyone – We have a few days left.
Please Fill Out The 2020 Census!
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself of National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in the Sullivan County Post