New Mexico Joins National Census Day Of Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 1, 2019

New Mexico Joins National Census Day Of Action

The Center for Civic Policy Launches PSA Digital Campaign to Bring Awareness to 2020 Census Preparations in NM, Highlight Need for an Accurate Census Count

Albuquerque, N.M.– Today, as part of the “National Census Day of Action”, the Center for Civic Policy launched a digital PSA campaign to highlight the preparations happening for an accurate count in New Mexico.

The 2020 Census will determine how more than $800 billion in federal funding is allocated each year. The census is critical for figuring out what our communities need to be healthier, safer and more successful.

A series of nine different PSAs are currently live on Facebook. The PSAs focus on highlighting the importance of census participation and why an accurate count is vital in ensuring a thriving New Mexico for present and future generations.

“The Center for Civic Policy is committed to ensuring a fair and accurate 2020 Census. The 2020 Census will determine how the government spends over $800 billion in federal dollars”, said Oriana Sandoval, CEO for the Center for Civic Policy. “We deserve to know that our tax dollars will make it back to our communities. The last time we had a census was 2010, and our communities and needs are different now than they were then. Our communities thrive when everyone participates and shows up.”

In 2016, N.M. received $7.8 billion in federal dollars based on census data, including $4.3 billion in Medicaid, $380 million in highway planning and construction and $44.8 million for the school lunch program. More information about funding derived from census data can be found here.

“Communities miss out on political power and needed funding if everyone is not counted. That’s why, today, groups are elevating the importance of the 2020 Census,” Sandoval said. “Civil rights groups and health care providers, immigrant rights advocates and organizations that fight for young kids, groups that represent the black community and groups that represent AAPI communities are all committed to ensuring that everyone is counted”.

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