U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, and other local leaders gathered in Roosevelt recently to discuss the importance of the 2020 Census for Long Island and to urge Nassau residents to complete it before the September 30 deadline.
“I cannot stress enough how critical it is that we get a complete and accurate count in the 2020 Census for Long Island,” said Rep. Kathleen Rice. “From hospitals and fire departments to Head Start and the National School Lunch Program, there are countless services and programs that have their funding levels set by Census data. Even just a small undercount will cost Long Island much-needed funding. So please, fill out the Census if you have not yet done so, and help us get the word out by encouraging your friends and family to do so as well before the September 30 deadline.”
“When it comes to the Census, the stakes have never been higher for Nassau,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Let’s keep pushing to encourage every resident who calls Nassau home to Complete The Count. This Census is about more than just ensuring we finally get our fair share of federal government dollars when we need it most. This year’s Census is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for us to directly combat the inequities this crisis has laid bare.”
“It only takes 10 minutes to impact the next 10 years in Nassau County,” said Helen Dorado Alessi, Executive Director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association. “What is at risk? Money for roads, Head Start, free and reduced school lunch, senior programs, and the loss of at least 1 representative who cares about Nassau County. Be counted so that we ALL count.”
“The continued disparities in response rates will magnify the unjust inequities that already exist across Nassau County,” said Rebecca Sanin, President/CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island. “Every family in Nassau County counts and must be counted-now more than ever-to enable our recovery from COVID-19 and to catalyze a future of hope and opportunity for every family.”
“A fair and accurate 2020 census count helps the government understand the needs of your community and determine how to spend over 800 billion federal dollars. That includes funding for cancer screenings, birth control, wellness exams, and other vital sexual and reproductive health care services,” said Karla Bradley, Associate Director, Data & Political Training for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. “If the COVID-19 outbreak has proven anything, it’s that we need more health care, not less. Every single person who resides in the U.S. has a constitutional right to be counted, and a fundamental right to health care. Without an accurate count, Black, Indigenous, and immigrant communities of color that are often underserved by or even excluded from health care programs due to years of systemic racism will continue to be neglected. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York is proud to work with community partners and elected leaders to get every person counted. It’s critical that we all do our part and complete the census for the future of New York and the health and safety of our families.”
The push to raise awareness and encourage participation comes following the release of reporting data showing low participation rates in several local communities, including in communities of color, which are historically undercounted in the Census. The resident response rate is only 49% in the Village of Hempstead, 53% in Elmont and Roosevelt, and 54% in Freeport.
The results of the 2020 Census determine where $675 billion dollars in federal funding is allocated nationwide. These funds go directly to local schools, hospitals, fire departments, infrastructure, and other programs and services.
The 2020 Census can be completed by mail, over the phone by calling 1-844-330-2020, or online at My2020Census.gov.
