New York, N.Y. (June 27, 2019)—Citizens Union, a leading good government group committed to fostering accountability, accessibility, and transparency in our government issues the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum:
“Today’s Supreme Court decision, denying the Commerce Department’s request to include a “citizenship question” on the 2020 census is a victory for democracy. The desire to include this question was both partisan and racist. The question was intended to send a clear message to areas, like New York, with large immigrant populations—drop dead.”
“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. “
“Just last month, information found on the computer of deceased Republican operative Thomas B. Hofeller showed that The Commerce Department’s desire to include this question was motivated by brazen partisanship and racism. It was a is a cynical ploy designed to deprive areas with large immigrant populations, like New York, of federal funding and political power.”
About Citizens Union
Citizens Union (CU) is committed to reforming New York City and State government to foster accountability, accessibility, transparency, honesty, and the highest ethical standards. For the past 120 years, we at Citizens Union have devoted ourselves to holding our local governments accountable to do better in all of these areas, and we remain committed to enfranchising all New Yorkers. The many initiatives that we are currently advancing include ethics reform, increased voter participation and civic engagement, greater policy accountability, and a truly accurate 2020 census. In all of these efforts, we have been—and will remain—nonpartisan. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.