Yesterday, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), joined by Senator Dick Durban (D-Ill), Representative Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), urged his constituents to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census so that vital community resources are not reduced or lost.
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau counts the people of the United States to determine, among other things, the distribution of Congressional seats to states and to distribute more than $675 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year. Unfortunately, Chicago households have one of the lowest rates of returning Census forms by mail in the nation.
“400 years ago, 20 African slaves were brought to Jamestown, Virginia, and since that time, the black community has had a difficult time being accurately counted and ultimately represented in this country.
“To make matters worse, we currently have a President who deliberately attempts to undercount African Americans and other minority groups because he understands that an accurate counting would mean more funding and increased representation for those communities.
“That is why the Census is critical to the future of the African American community, and to the future of all Chicagoans for that matter. I would therefore urge all those in my district — particularly African Americans — not to let the President and his Administration count you out. You count, and your Census information is vital in creating a more prosperous Illinois.
“The bottom line is this: If you want Trump out, you need to count yourself in!”
Rep. Rush delivered brief remarks yesterday at a news conference hosted by Forefront, a statewide advocacy coalition that is currently fighting to ensure a fair and accurate count of the 2020 Census. According to Forefront, Illinois has lost one congressional seat every Census since 1950 and is in danger of losing two seats in 2020 if the Census is not accurately counted.
For questions or more information about the 2020 U.S. Census visit www.house.gov/rush or contact the Chicago office of the U.S. Census Bureau at 312-579-1500 or visit www.census.gov/chicago.
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