U.S. Census Bureau: Extend the deadline to ensure a fair and accurate count
Recently the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the 2020 Census would be rushed to conclude on September 30, 2020 rather than October 31, 2020. Public Narrative is proud to join our fellow Illinois Census advocates in signing onto a letter urging the U.S. Census Bureau to reconsider that decision, and extend the deadline back to October 31. In a year where many communities are already being undercounted, that time will be absolutely necessary to ensure a fair and accurate count.
Click here to read the letter, signed by over 150 census advocates from across from state. The letter was sent to Senators Duckworth and Durbin, the full Illinois Congressional Delegation, Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office, and the Office of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Why does the Census matter?
Census data determines how much federal funding the state gets. If Illinoisans are under-counted, the state will be under-funded. The census also determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Illinois is at risk of losing two of those seats.
Have you completed the 2020 Census?
It's easy, it's quick, and if you self-report you can avoid a census worker knocking on your door. Visit ILCountMeIn2020.org to take the census, find resources, and learn more about statewide efforts to ensure a fair and accurate count.