STAMFORD, CT—Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz today joined Stamford Mayor David Martin, state and local elected officials, and other members of the community at UCONN Stamford to kick off the city’s 2020 Census effort.
“Communities across Connecticut are doing their part to prepare for the 2020 Census because they understand how critical an accurate count is for our state,” said Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz. “I applaud Mayor Martin and the City of Stamford for making the 2020 Census a priority and launching their complete count committee today.”
The state of Connecticut receives nearly $11 billion dollars from the federal government as a result of census numbers collected once every decade. These federal funds are used to fund vital state programs including Medicaid, Pell Grants, children’s health insurance, highway planning & construction, nutritional assistance and many more.
“We have an obligation to the people of Stamford to get this right,” said Mayor David Martin. “Vital city services such as community grants and transportation rely on federal funding partly driven by census numbers. We cannot afford to neglect our census count. It is our goal to reach out to every member of our community and provide the Complete Count Committee the resources it needs to provide accurate census numbers.”
In February, Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz launched a statewide effort ensuring Connecticut would be the best-counted state in the nation. Members of the committee will work together to analyze previous census undercounts and recommend strategies to achieve a full count in Connecticut for this upcoming census.
Roughly 22 percent of Connecticut is considered “hard to reach” communities. Among these demographics include young adult males, individuals with impermanent housing and immigrant communities.
“It is important for all members of the community, including immigrants, to answer the census,” said Executive Director of Building One Community Catalina Horak. “The lack of accurate population counts and demographic information could have serious negative implications, including lack of federal funding and congressional seats for communities like ours.”
Although undercounts have been a persistent problem, the 2020 Census will make completing information easier than ever before as this will be the first time residents can fill out their information online. Beginning in early 2020, the public will be able to complete their census information using a computer or phone, in addition to mailing in their form. Stamford’s Ferguson Library already provides all the resources necessary for residents to complete their census, even if they do not have access to a computer or require translation services.
“Not only does the library have numerous public access terminals for people to fill out the census, but our trained staff can assist people who need help completing the form,” said Ferguson Library President Alice Knapp.
The City of Stamford is currently considering members for its Complete Count Committee and will have more information to announce soon.
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