Census 2020 NJ Coalition Applauds Budget Allocation of $9 Million for Accurate Census Count! As a member of the Census 2020 NJ Coalition, a broad coalition of over 30 nonprofits across New Jersey dedicated to ensuring an accurate 2020 Census count, ACNJ is thrilled to inform you that the Legislature's proposed budget includes $9 million in state funding for the statewide Complete Count Commission. Read ACNJ Policy Counsel Peter Chen's blog: Why Everyone Must Count in 2020 Robust state funding is needed to ensure that every child is counted in 2020. We only get one chance every decade to get it right and an undercount could shortchange New Jersey billions in federal dollars for programs that impact children and families. This includes Head Start, Title I schools, Medicaid and children's health insurance, and school lunch and breakfast. As one of the nation’s most diverse states, New Jersey is at particular risk for an undercount, especially among communities of color, immigrants and young children. Roughly 22 percent (1.9 million) of New Jersey residents live in hard-to-count areas, including a disproportionate number of Black, Hispanic/Latino and Asian residents, as well as children under age five. In addition, the proposed citizenship question may depress turnout from New Jersey's diverse immigrant communities. The Coalition thanks the many legislative champions for expanded Census funding, notably Senator Nilsa-Cruz Perez, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey, who sponsored a budget resolution for $9 million in state funding for Census outreach through the Complete Count Commission, as well as Senate and Assembly leadership for recognizing the importance of this critical issue. | |
