The 2020 Census count is just under a week from its deadline of September 30th and about ten percent of Louisianans have still failed to respond. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is concerned because federal funding is based on the Census count. Nungesser says the last Census failed to get an accurate count so responding now is imperative.
“If you look back, 2010, after Katrina we lagged behind the rest of the country as many residents were not back. And this is really the first time we really have to get a more accurate count,” says Nungesser.
Nungesser says federal funding for schools, hospitals and roads is based on the Census count and with a state hit hard by COVID and hurricanes every person needs to be counted.
“Louisiana received about $15-billion in federal funding, based on data from the Census, we need that money, and every person that signs up will help us get federal funding,” says Nungesser
The Census also determines representation in Congress and is used to draw up state legislative boundaries.
“If you remember in 2010, we lost a congressional seat because of the Census, and that’s something we can’t afford,” says Nungesser.
To respond to the Census, go to https://my2020census.gov/ and if a Census workers comes to your door please assist them. Census workers may also come to your door if you have already responded for a count on neighboring households.