2020 Census Information and Resources for Libraries: Why Respond?

Importance of the Data

• The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade.

• Over the next decade, lawmakers, business owners, and many others will use 2020 Census data to make critical decisions.

Why is an accurate Census count important?

• New Mexico faces serious challenges in obtaining an accurate count.
• A mere 1% undercount of New Mexico’s population in 2020 would result in a $780,000,000 loss of federal funds over a 10-year period.
• At risk are Financial Assistance programs for Health Care, Food Assistance, Public Education, and Community Development.
• Federal Funding for Transportation, Housing, and Small Business Development are also at stake.
• Accurate census data ensures everyone in the community gets their fair share of resources and has a political voice.
• The most vulnerable for an undercount are children under 5, foreign-born residents, Pueblos, Tribes and Nations, Hispanics and rural populations.

• For the first time, the U.S. Census questionnaire form can be completed online, or by phone beginning March 12, 2020.

• The U.S. Census Bureau has a legal commitment to keep census responses confidential and is bound by Title 13 of the United States Code.
• The U.S. Census Bureau is required to protect your answers, and all employees take a lifetime oath to protect your information.
• It’s against the law for them to publicly release your responses in any way that could identify you or your household.
• The U.S. Census Bureau will NEVER share information with immigration enforcement agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), law enforcement agencies like the county sheriff, local police, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or allow this information to be used to determine eligibility for governmental benefits.