Why You Need To Complete The Census Now!

The US Census opened in March 2020, just as New York shut down due to COVID19. As a result, the self-response rate for Queens now stands at 53%, with Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and Kew Garden Hills all at around 60%.

Though these communities are ahead, it still means that if you know 10 people in your community, only 6 have completed the census. Since every person who completes the census generates $3000 in Federal funding a year, we are currently losing $12,000 per year per person in Federal funding. This funding will then be sent to either other communities in New York with higher totals and/or sent to other States.

Aside from funding, we lose representatives nationally. In 2010, New York State lost two Congressional seats of members who advocate for New York State needs. In 2020, we stand to lose two more. If we lose Congressional seats, we also lose votes in the Electoral College. Also, the census determines how many State and City representatives are elected, which means communities who complete the census have more local elected officials then communities who do not.

What does this Federal funding cover? Many different programs, but as COVID19 continues, funding for Healthcare is paramount and defined by the census. Also, funding for education is determined by the census. Finally, funding for security needs will be cut unless we all complete the census.

The Census is safe and secure; your personal data will not be shared with any other agency. Complete the Census now! The link to complete the Census online is https://www.census.gov/. If you do not have access to a computer, you can call the Census. English speakers can call 844-330-2020 and the Russian telephone Number is:844-417-2020. If you do not complete the census by August 11, enumerators from the Census Bureau will start door knocking.

If you have completed the Census, please speak to your neighbors; friends; and family to assure they completed the Census. If you would like to become more actively involved in assuring everyone is counted, you can email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

By Mark Laster,
Steering Committee Member;
Borough President Lee Complete Count Committee