The 2020 Census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. The data collected through the Census affects much more than many people often realize.
The Census is the primary tool for determining how the government should best allocate resources to where they are most needed. Hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other community services all receive funding based on census data. Census data also dictates how many congressional representatives our state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
That’s why getting an accurate and complete count is essential to ensuring that Long Island receives its fair share of federal funding going forward. Your participation in the Census is the best way to ensure our local communities have the resources and support they need.
Long Island Impacts
Long Island receives millions of dollars in federal funding every year. These critical funds are at stake during the 2020 Census. During the 2010 Census, Nassau County had the 5th lowest reporting rate out of any county in the state, preventing our district from getting its fair share of funding.
Another undercount of the Long Island population could result in a reduction of funding for schools, infrastructure, healthcare services, and economic development. And with just a 0.6% undercount, New York would be projected to lose two congressional representatives, putting our fair share of representation in Washington at risk.
More information on how the Census could affect Long Island Census can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2020 Census ask about citizenship status? NO. The 2020 Census does not ask whether you or anyone in your home is a U.S. citizen.
Can my answers be shared with law enforcement or used against me? NO. The law prevents the Census Bureau from sharing your information with law enforcement. Your answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits. Your answers are only used to create statistics about our country. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to protect your personal information and keep it strictly confidential. That’s every answer, to every question.
Can I only take the census online? NO. The 2020 Census will be available online, by phone, and by mail. Online and phone responses can be completed in 13 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese). A paper form will be mailed to every house that hasn’t responded already when we send our fourth mail piece out.
What questions WILL NOT be asked by the Census Bureau?
During the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask you for:
Your Social Security number.
Money or donations.
Anything on behalf of a political party.
Your bank or credit card account numbers.
If someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts you via email or phone and asks you for one of these things, it's a scam, and you should not cooperate. For more information, visit Avoiding Fraud and Scams.
Why are these questions being asked? The Census Bureau provides an explanation for every question asked here: Questions Asked on the Form.
Timeline
March 12 to 20: Households will begin receiving information from the U.S. Census Bureau on how to complete the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.
March 30 to April 1: The U.S. Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness, including people living in shelters, on the street, or other outdoor locations.
April 1: April 1 is Census Day. By this time, every household in America should have received information on how to complete the Census.
August to October: Census workers will be visiting homes that have not responded to the 2020 census to ensure an accurate count.
December: The U.S. Census Bureau will deliver apportionment counts to the President and Congress as required by law.
More information on this timeline is available here.
Job Opportunities The Census offers part-time positions with competitive wages and flexible hours – and it’s not too late to apply!
