Rolison Urges Residents Participate in Census

POUGHKEEPSIE – The U.S. Census count continues until the end of this month —and it is imperative all City of Poughkeepsie households participate before the count is closed. Over the next decade, the city could lose out millions of dollars if we are undercounted. Here’s why: The distribution of federal funds is largely determined by population. Those funds go to more than 130 programs, from housing and highways, as well as to nutrition to education needs.Census data is also used to determine the number of seats in Congress each state receives, and congressional and legislative lines will be redrawn based on these numbers.

Every 10 years, as required by the Constitution, the U.S. Census Bureau undertakes this count. I strenuously disagree with the decision by the U.S. Census to end the count on Sept. 30. The COVID-19 crisis has made the count more difficult, especially for the census workers going door to door to obtain responses that did not come from households through an online form or by phone or mail. The good news is people can fill out the form online at https://my2020census.gov/or call (844) 330-2020 for assistance in English or (844) 468-2020 for help in Spanish.

Please keep in mind that sections of the City of Poughkeepsie are considered “hard to count” — that is, people in those areas are less likely to fill out the form. We need to work together and spread the word to neighbors and friends about the importance of this count.
The information collected by the Census Bureau is confidential and protected under law. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. Please help spread the word — our community cannot afford to be shortchanged. The City has a webpage, www.cityofpoughkeepsie.com/census2020 where you can learn more about the 2020 census.