For Immediate Release: October 14, 2020
Contact: Heather Cabral | (202) 550-6880 | heather@westendstrategy.com
Manisha Sunil | (202) 417-0171 | msunil@westendstrategy.com
WASHINGTON — Late yesterday, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that it would conclude data collection on October 15, 2020, in response to a ruling from the Supreme Court overturning a district court order to allow data collection to continue through October 31, 2020.
The census count determines what resources our communities will receive over the next 10 years, including $800 billion in federal funding for programs, hospitals, new schools, community centers and roads and representation in Congress. Instead of having two more weeks to complete the census, individuals now have 24 hours to complete this consequential count.
Risa Brown, National Data and Targeting Director for Faith in Action, said: “Census participation is one of the most important ways to ensure that our communities are represented by people who understand exactly what their constituents need to thrive. That is what makes this ruling so disastrous. By not giving census workers sufficient time to count every U.S. resident amid a pandemic, groups who are historically undercounted — especially Black and Brown communities, people experiencing homelessness and Indigenous peoples — will be denied access to crucial public funding and representation in Congress.”
Rev. Deth Im, Director of Training and Development for Faith in Action, said: “The pandemic forced us to move from traditional methods of data collection to a completely digital format, and this momentous shift has taken time. COVID-19 has shone light on how funding disparities for public health programs and resources disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities, highlighting how crucial an accurate census count is. As people of faith, we are committed to uplifting the voices and needs of those most impacted by systemic inequalities. If we are to maintain public programs rooted in justice and ensure fair representation for all, then we need to allow census workers ample time to reach undercounted communities.”
Over the past year, Faith in Action has been working to ensure that all people are counted in the 2020 census so that resources are equitably allocated to communities that are often underserved, especially those that have been previously undercounted.
If you are interested in speaking further on this issue, please contact Heather Cabral at (202) 550-6880 and heather@westendstrategy.com or Manisha Sunil at (202) 417-0171 and msunil@westendstrategy.com.
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Faith in Action, formerly known as PICO National Network, is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations. For more information, visit www.faithinaction.org.
Faith in Action is a 501c(3). Faith in Action and its affiliates are non-partisan and are not aligned explicitly or implicitly with any candidate or party. We do not endorse or support candidates for office.
