McGovern: Fill out your census forms to keep needed services for Massachusetts

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern is urging people to complete their census forms immediately to be counted in the 2020 census, warning that an undercount for the 2nd Congressional District would bring dire results.

“It’s time to fill out your census forms now,”McGovern said.“This new report makes it clear—a complete census count is essential for our district.  This year’s census comes at an unprecedented time.  We are facing a public health crisis and global economic downturn. Census data will be crucial in determining the amount of federal assistance our communities get over the next decade. President Trump has thoughtlessly decided to end the census early and we need to make sure that every person in our district gets counted.”

Households can fill out their census forms right now—in the comfort of their own homes—by going online at https://2020census.gov/, calling 844-330-2020, or filling out the forms they received in the mail.  The 2020 Census has only 12 questions and does not ask about citizenship.

Data collected by the census is used to determine how much funding the district receives for critical services like education, medical care, foster care, roads, public transit, and job programs. Census data also helps local governments enhance public safety and prepare for emergencies.

The new report details that if there is just a 1percent undercount in the 2020 Census, the residents of the 2nd District of Massachusetts could lose:

• $268,000 in federal funding for schools that have a high proportion of low-income students, or the equivalent of all the textbooks that 1,068 students would need in a school year.
• $291,000 in federal funding for job training centers and career counseling.