Assemblymember Robert Rivas Comments on the 2020 Census Developments

(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) released the following statement on recent news on the 2020 Census:

“The Census is not and must not be a political weapon that incites fear in our community. All people deserve to be recognized and included in the Census. A fair and accurate count of our entire population ensures that communities in our district and state get the public resources they deserve such as funding for roads, education, and health care programs,” said Rivas. “I am disturbed by the repeated attempts of the Trump Administration to attack communities of immigrants, many of whom do the hard work needed to put food on our tables.”

Data from the census helps guide how more than $675 billion in federal funding is allocated and billions more in state funding. Local leaders and community groups across the state and country are worried that already hard to count populations would become even less likely to respond and be counted in the 2020 Census.

“Building Healthy Communities (BHC) feels it is essential that the 2020 Census not have the citizenship question,” said Andrea Manzo, Regional Equity Director for BHC – East Salinas. “In our conversations with residents, we have heard many stories of fear and concern not just from undocumented residents, but all residents. With the previous census producing such a low count, Monterey County cannot afford to lose out on millions of dollars of desperately needed revenue as the result of an undercounted population.”
“The Supreme Court’s ruling sends a clear message that everyone in our community is valued and should be counted. We know that diverse communities like Watsonville have been historically undercounted and under-resourced,” said Mayor Francisco Estrada of Watsonville. “We need to be able to forward with ensuring a safe and accurate count for our community. This uncertainty on the Census benefits no one in our community.”