Common Cause/NY + Advocates to Hold Briefing on the 2020 Census

Common Cause NY, The Partnership for the Public Good, and the NY Civic Engagement Table to discuss upcoming challenges of the 2020 Census

NEW YORK, NY (12/08/2017) (readMedia)-- Common Cause NY, The Partnership for the Public Good, and the NY Civic Engagement Table will hold a briefing regarding the 2020 Census, centering on the current challenges and what communities can do to work towards an accurate Census.

The public should RSVP here. Press should RSVP to Becky Stern at becky@pythiapublic.com.

Background:

In October, Common Cause/NY released a white paper called "The Count Starts Now: Taking Action to Avoid a Census 2020 Crisis."

Every ten years, the United States conducts a "Decennial Census" with the goal of determining the distribution of resources and political representation by counting every person in the country where they live. The census is a complex operation to collect important demographic, social, and economic information, but serves as the country's only source for reliable nationwide and community-level data.

The census is mandated under the Constitution and it is required by law that all people respond, regardless of age or citizenship status. Getting the next census count right is critical, as it will shape our democracy, public policy and economy moving forward. Key decisions about how the 2020 Census will launch are being made right now, and poor choices could have enormous impacts in the years to come.

Gathering a complete and accurate count for the 2020 Census has wide ranging long term impacts throughout New York State. Census-derived data is the basis for equal political representation under the United States Constitution, which directly controls the number of New York representatives in the U.S. Congress.

A complete count not only helps ensure fair and accurate congressional, state, and local redistricting but determines whether communities throughout New York receive funding for local infrastructure and social service that reflect true population levels. The distribution of political power, economic investment and government funding for at risk New York communities relies heavily on a fair and accurate 2020 Census count.

WHO:

Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY

Melody Lopez, Director of NY Civic Engagement Table

Andrea Ó Súilleabhái, Deputy Director of Partnership for Public Good

WHAT:

2020 Census Briefing.

WHEN: Friday December 08, 2017 at 11:00AM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: 617 Main Street
Suite 300
Buffalo, New York
NOTES:

 Take elevator to 3R.