Public Employee Press

Stand up and be counted in the U.S. Census

Census counts affect how much federal money comes to New York City and how many votes the state gets in Congress.

U.S. Census population tallies help determine how much federal money New York City gets for its agencies and employees and how much power New York State has in Congress.

District Council 37 and its national union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, are urging every union member, city employee and city resident to stand up and be counted in the 2010 United States Census.

“There is a direct connection between our participation in the census and the money our state and city will receive, so it is vital that every person and family member is counted by census workers,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

“Participating in the census is a civic duty that directly impacts our lives and our livelihoods. We need every dollar our communities deserve to protect the vital public services our members provide.”

Beginning in April 2010, as it does once each decade, the U.S. Census Bureau will count the nation’s population. The results will aid in allocating more than $300 billion in federal and state funding to communities across the country. Decisions about health care, education, transportation and other public services are made based on the collected census data.

Last March, AFSCME resolved to help members understand the importance of full participation in the 2010 census.

Census data will determine the number of representatives each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and will play an important role in redistricting state legislatures and city councils. The information residents provide to census takers can help create much-needed jobs and improve social services.

All data collected by census workers is kept private for 72 years.