What is the Census?
Every 10 years, the United States counts the people in this country. We call this process the Census. Everyone counts – babies, children, teens, adults, older adults.
Why does the Census matter to me?
Illinois receives $20 billion in federal funding through U.S. Census data. This funding is important as it supports vital programs such as Medicaid, highways, and programs that help low-income households, rural communities, and communities of color. If Illinoisans are not counted during the upcoming 2020 Census, fewer resources will come to the state.
Illinois is also at risk of losing two congressional seats in the upcoming Census and will have serious political ramifications.
What efforts are happening in Illinois?
Forefront formed the Illinois Count Me In 2020 program, a statewide coalition to do concentrated outreach in hard-to-count communities, provide safe spaces for self-reporting purposes and help educate and canvass for get-out-the-count efforts.
The IL Count Me In 2020 Program is pleased to announce a partnership with the City of Chicago for Census outreach purposes. In 2020, IL Count Me In 2020 and the City will provide $500,000 of the City’s $2.7 million investment in Census funding to community-based organizations to educate and engage their constituents on the 2020 Census. This unique partnership will help ensure that every Chicagoan is counted. For more information about this exciting opportunity, click here.
