Gov. Pritzker calling on Blono to complete 2020 Census

Posted on September 10, 2020
Gov. Pritzker (middle) spoke at Illinois State University with Normal Mayor Chris Koos (lef) and Illinois State University President Dr. Larry Dietz (right) about the 2020 Census. (Photo courtesy: Blake Haas/WJBC)

By Blake Haas

NORMAL – Armed with McLean county leaders next to his side, Gov. Pritzker called on Twin-City residents to complete the 2020 Census saying, “the stakes could not be higher.”

Visiting Illinois State University on Wednesday, Gov. Pritzker said an accurate count of the Census would ensure Illinois will receive federal funding for various resources that rely on federal funding.

“So Redbirds, I want you all to know that the stakes could not be higher. Every ten years in this country, we count the number of people who live in this state, and based upon that number, the federal government gives our state funding for schools, hospitals, roads and child care, and much more. And the higher the count, the more of your federal tax money comes back to Illinois instead of going to other states and the more representatives we get in Congress.”

Gov. Pritzker spoke at Illinois State University on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy: Blake Haas/WJBC)

Gov. Pritzker said with a 1% undercount, the state could lose out on $195 million in federal funding each year.

So far, 37% of McLean County residents have yet to fill out the 2020 Census.

“It is so critical that we get an accurate count for McLean County so that as stated before, federal representations and federal fundings truly represent our community. And I’m going to put an emphasis on that; we need to count the residents of McLean County to get an accurate count to get fair federal representation.”

To complete the Census, visit my2020Census.gov. The Census count ends in Sept. 30.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…