In an effort to raise awareness about the 2020 Census, three Assembly Democrats sponsor resolutions that would encourage increased participation throughout the state.
Counties and municipalities would be urged to form Complete Count Committees upon passage of the first resolution (AR-78), sponsored by Assemblywoman Mosquera and Assemblyman Bill Moen (D-Camden, Gloucester). These committees would be comprised of government and community leaders who would create an awareness campaign encouraging participation in the Census, based on their understanding of the community.
The second resolution (AR-79), sponsored by Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera (D-Camden, Gloucester) and Assemblyman Jamel Holley (D-Union), would designate March 12th – 20th as “Get out the Count Week.”
Both resolutions were previously advanced by the Assembly Women and Children Committee after committee members received testimony from various experts regarding how the Census will impact New Jersey residents. Advocates for Children of New Jersey, the regional director of the Census Bureau and the New Jersey Secretary of State were among the guests who spoke.
Upon the resolutions unanimously passing the full Assembly Monday, the sponsors released the following joint statement:
“Many people don’t realize just how important the Census is to their community and how it will impact various aspects of their lives. We need to make our residents more aware of how the data gathered during the Census will affect their friends and family.
“The number of people recorded within a region influences federal allocation of funding for various social programs, including Medicare and SNAP. It also affects funding for school programs and infrastructure improvements, while determining the amount of Congressional delegates that will represent New Jersey.
“Business owners, non-profit organizations and lawmakers alike use the collected data to determine what daily services, products and support will be provided to communities.
“An awareness campaign with the help of county and municipal committees can help spread this information to get more residents involved in the Census.”
The resolutions will now go to the Senate.