Last week, the Census Bureau announced their decision to backtrack and shorten the enumeration period by a month, despite announcing earlier this year that enumeration was extended until October 31, 2020.
The census is the foundation of our democracy, a fair and accurate count ensures communities have access to the resources they need to survive and thrive. It is more important than ever to get a complete count this year, as we start this decade with an epidemic which has already taken a toll on employment, housing, and other resources.
A successful 2020 census requires counting our immigrant, Black, Latinx, children under 5, and rural communities, as well as effectively following up on those who did not respond to the census. Because of the pandemic more time is needed to reach historically undercounted communities. We cannot allow for a failed census that will negatively affect the future decisions on redistricting, policies, and programs.
Please contact your Senators today to advocate for an extension of the 2020 Census reporting deadlines, which was originally requested by Census Bureau Director Dillingham and Department of Commerce Secretary Ross, which allows for a full and fair count as well as critical data review and processing efforts.