New York, NY)— Citizens Union has issued the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum applauding Governor Andrew Cuomo for allocating resources to support counting every New Yorker in the 2020 Census :
We thank Governor Cuomo for this funding that will help ensure that all New Yorkers are counted in the 2020 census. The census will determine—for the next 10 years—federal funding for such programs as food assistance to needy families, early childhood education for low-income children and maintenance for our bridges and roads, as well as the number of congressional seats and electoral college votes the state has.
With this funding from the governor, New York now has the resources to get out the count. These resources are particularly important, as the Trump administration has demonstrated that they will do everything in their power to depress participation in areas like New York, with large immigrant populations. This money will help ensure we protect our representation in Congress and our share of federal aid. We encourage the State to distribute this money promptly, so trusted nonprofit organizations can being the important work of encouraging participation in hard-to-count communities.
About Citizens Union
For 120 years, Citizens Union (CU) has been a force for transparency, accountability and ethics in New York’s City and State governments. A nonpartisan organization, some of our current initiatives include increased voter participation and civic engagement, greater police accountability, and an accurate 2020 census. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.