Millions of dollars could be lost in Census 2020

Imperial County could lose millions of dollars if next year’s census does not count everyone living in the area.

Everyone counts! That’s the message of local groups coming together under the Count Me 2020 Coalition to help others understand the importance of next year’s census.

Michele Silverthorn, San Diego United Way, said, “Every person that’s undercounted is about $2,000 per year. So, if you think about $2,000 per year over ten years it’s about $20,000. And if you multiply that additional individuals who might be undercounted that can be into the millions and billions of dollars that are lost for the region.”

Jose Luis Olmedo, Comite Civico del Valle, said some residents might be reluctant to take part in the census if it includes questions of a personal nature.

“The new challenges and barriers that we see. Such as the citizenship question. That certainly is going to create barriers. As it is, this region already historically has been difficult to count,” Olmedo said.

Rosa Diaz, LGBT Resoure Center Director, said others might feel left out for other reasons.

“We still know that in the Imperial County there’s a lot of stigma when it comes to the LGBT population. And if the question were asked it doesn’t mean that they will open up and identify as part of that community,” Diaz said.

Rebecca Terrazas-Baxter, Imperial County Administration, said leaving anyone out could impact the area in many ways.

“Some of those programs such as social services programs, medical and so forth, are based off population size and the demographics that are within our county,” Terrazas-Baxter said.

Olmedo added, “Then we don’t get accurate representation and we don’t get accurate funding.”

Count Me 2020 Coalition is made up of over a hundred groups and organizations from San Diego and Imperial County.

More information online at www.countme2020.org