Lawmakers urge census participation

Posted on April 5, 2019
State Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago) was one of several lawmakers urging all residents to participate in the upcoming U.S. Census. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – There’s more at stake in the 2020 Census than the number of Congressional representatives Illinois has.

“When we start talking about the impact an undercount has on the resources available to education funding and healthcare and public safety,” said State Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago), “This is something at which we cannot fail.”

Sims and other senators spoke at a news conference to encourage all to participate in the 2020 Census — even undocumented immigrants.

“It’s going to be real hard for them even be convinced to get online or be part of the count, because they are just too afraid of what might happen to them if they do,” said State Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago). “There’s a lot of education that has to go out there. There’s a lot of work that has to be done, but the resources are very important, because it’s the only way we are going to get this work done.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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