City of Racine – The U.S. Census Bureau recently announced that it is cutting its schedule for data collection for the 2020 Census a month short, meaning that for residents to be counted, they have to respond by the end of September, instead of the end of October as long-publicized. Racine Mayor Cory Mason issued the following statement in response to this announcement:

“The U.S. Constitution requires us to conduct a complete and accurate count of our country’s population once every ten years. Cutting the Census count short increases the likelihood of inaccurate data and a significant undercount that could deprive Racine and our residents of vital funding and political representation. An inaccurate count will negatively impact communities that have historically been the most undercounted, including racial and ethnic minorities, tenants, veterans, the homeless, and households who lack reliable internet access. Door-to-door Census efforts are often what’s needed to accurately reach and count those residents.

Let’s be clear: the stakes of an accurate Census count are high. More than $675 billion in federal funds are distributed each year to communities like Racine for everything from schools to health care to housing to community services. Undercounted communities will get less federal money than we really need, a particularly problematic prospect in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. If Racine residents are not counted, we will feel those very real consequences for years to come.

This decision to shorten the window for a complete Census count is a politically motivated move by the Trump Administration. As of today, the City of Racine’s 2020 Census response rate is at 64.5%, and we have some parts of the City with response rates as low as 42.8%. That means that in some parts of our community, only 4 out of 10 residents have been counted so far. Racine residents, don’t let the Trump Administration count you out. Don’t let them take millions of dollars of federal funding away from our community that we need for our schools, community programs, housing, health care, transit, meal programs, and more. Be counted today.”

To complete the Census, go to https://my2020census.gov/ or call 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (Spanish). The Racine County Complete Count Committee is also running a Census Contest right now: respond to the Census before August 31st, submit proof that you responded, and Racine residents will be entered to win $50 in free groceries. Details at racinecountycounts.org/racinecounts.

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