2020 Census is critical for Long Island’s future

The Census Bureau is one of the most important data repositories in the U.S.

Census data is not the only source of data used to shape American policies and society. Other governmental organizations collect various economic and demographic data as well, but an accurate census is absolutely critical for the progress of the nation.

The census count will affect Congressional representation, the distribution of federal and state dollars to various programs and initiatives, and can act as a basis to predict or assess societal changes.

The elephant in the room

The citizenship question currently will not be in the 2020 census, but the Trump administration has expressed the intent to change that. – Updated 7/9/19

Regardless of anyone’s political inclinations, from a data standpoint the citizenship question could lead to 8 percent of the population being under counted.

For context, a mere 0.6 percent of an under count in New York would lead to a loss of Congressional representation – from 27 seats to 25.

Even though the citizenship question has been blocked, the cloud surrounding its attempted implementation could still affect the 2020 Census.

But what about Long Island

According to the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island, Suffolk and Nassau Counties are the fourth and fifth “hardest to count” counties in New York.

Twenty eight percent of Long Island’s population, about 803,000 people, live in hard to count areas.

A George Washington University study found that New York received 73 billion dollars from the federal spending programs that were guided by 2010 census data. An under counted Long Island for the 2020 Census would result in our communities not receiving the distribution they need.

What should we do?

Encourage everyone you know to fill out the Census when they receive the form, and let them know that their information is protected by the Title 13, U.S. code.

And while we do not typically advertise jobs, the Census Bureau is hiring people for the 2020 Census Team, and interested community members can apply here.