Log in Subscribe

Leaving money on the table

Posted 8/17/20

It takes less than five minutes to fill out the census. This simple and easy task has massive consequences for our county as census data plays a critical role in determining federal dollars and …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Leaving money on the table

Posted

It takes less than five minutes to fill out the census. This simple and easy task has massive consequences for our county as census data plays a critical role in determining federal dollars and government representation that an area receives.

As of August 9, only 33.2 percent of Sullivan County households have filled out the census and with six weeks remaining, we are in the home stretch.

In 2010, the Rockefeller Institute of Government had Sullivan County ranked second to last in the state in terms of census response at 69.5 percent.

Consider this a call to action. Based on our county's current census response, a failure to do so, in our opinion, will result in an even lower number than 2010 when this is all said and done.

Compared to the state and country, our numbers are atrocious. Our peers across the country have been filling out the census at almost double our rate (63.3 percent).

The Sullivan County Complete Count Committee has worked hard to try and improve our count, but they've faced an uphill battle. For example, their initial grant from the state was suspended by the NY PAUSE, and the government moved up the census deadline. It has also been difficult to mobilize census workers with some of the limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, even though they've been limited in what they can do, we should be doing our part. Many county residents have been working remotely, and while we understand that with kids, jobs, stress and anxiety related to this crisis, that things are not easy, we had hoped more people would have been proactive and taken the time to complete the census by now.

The funding and representation census data secures is important in any given year, but this is especially true as we crawl out of this global crisis. The first thing we think about during a pandemic is our health, and rightfully so, but another devastating result of this pandemic is the hit to the economy.

Our county is in dire straits financially, and our country's economy is in the worst state since the Great Depression.

Our region needs as many resources as we can get. So do your part, head to 2020census.gov and respond!

A couple important things to consider: Seasonal and part-time residents should complete the census for their Sullivan address even if they've already filed a form for their primary address; Every household should complete a census form regardless of whether they received anything from the census bureau; Renters should fill out the census for the address they are living at - landlords do not do this; Census enumerators are visiting households that have not filed a form. The best way to avoid this is to self-respond on-line or by phone; and the census deadline is September 30.

In addition to filling out the census, reach out to family and friends and make sure they also complete it.

Let's make sure we get the resources and representation we deserve for the next decade.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here