By Peter A. Napolitano
The clock is ticking on the 2020 Census and time is running out. As bad as this year has been, it will be worse if Federal and State aid to Everett is reduced due to an inaccurate census count this year. Currently Everett has one of the lowest response rates in the Commonwealth and everyone needs to stand up and be counted. A lower headcount will adversely affect all of us for the next ten years.
The 2020 U.S. census is the most important count of the decade. An accurate count provides valuable statistics to determine how the government runs the country and on the local level, how to gauge financial aid to vital programs like housing, education, transportation and even the health care industry, services many of our residents count on. Everett will be critically hurt if we are documented with a smaller population than we are actually serving. Many of our residents have been struggling to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table and quality education for their families. Federal funding provides us with the means to address some of these issues and that is why accuracy is critical and impacts everyone.
How do you respond if you have not completed the Census by now? You can respond on-line at https://2020census.gov/, by phone in English ( 844-330-2020 ), Spanish ( 844-468-2020 ), Haitian Creole ( 844-477-2020 ) and Portuguese ( 844-474-2020) or simply mail back the form sent to you in April. While the nation is coming to grips with the CORVID-19 crisis, the census is not to be taken lightly. It is crucial to our City’s function. The census helps shape many different aspects of our community. Do your part, complete the census today and talk to your family, friends and neighbors to ensure everyone participates. Act today. Everyone needs to be counted.
Peter A. Napolitano is a Councilor-at-Large.