EAST ST. LOUIS – With the deadline to fill out the 2020 census coming to a close nextWednesday, Metro East legislators and community leaders are urging all
St. Clair and Madison County residents to fill out the census to improve the low response rates.
“Filling out the census is an easy process and a 100% response rate is critical in sustaining the quality in community assets such as schools, roads and hospitals,” Belt (D-Centreville) said. “Sept. 30 is the last day to get counted and millions of dollars in federal funding is at risk if residents don’t take getting counted seriously. I strongly urge all residents to fill out the census before it’s too late.”
In St. Clair County, participation in the 2020 census is currently lower than in the 2010 census. Only 67.2% of St. Clair County residents have completed their census form this year, as opposed to 70% of residents in 2010. Seven municipalities in St. Clair County and one in Madison County have a rate of 55% or under. The cities and villages included by name and rate listed are:
- Washington Park – 32.8%
- Brooklyn – 39.8%
- Venice (Madison County) – 42.7%
- Alorton – 48.5%
- East St. Louis – 45.5%
- Centreville – 52.2%
- Fairmont City – 55%
- Cahokia – 51.7%
“As the deadline for the census approaches, it is important more than ever for our community to make sure it receives the resources and attention its people deserve,” Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) said. “Census participation will impact investment decisions for our local schools and job creation for the next decade, so make sure your voice is heard.”
The census is now safer, more secure than and just as confidential as it was in years past. Filling out the form is crucial, as data from the 2020 census will be used to draw new congressional district maps, helps determine how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will affect communities across Illinois for the next 10 years.
"If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that we’re more successful when we work together," Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) said. "Help us secure the representation we deserve, support our rural hospitals, public libraries and schools and ensure the next 10 years are full of opportunities for all who call the Metro East home by completing your census."
The group also reminds students, faculty and staff at local universities and community colleges to fully participate in the census to help the region rebound from the social and economic devastation communities have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The results of the 2020 census will play a crucial role in determining the economic future of our community for those who call it home,” said Hoffman (D-Swansea). “At a time when economic uncertainty has surpassed what many of us could have imagined, census participation is especially important because the outcome will impact the availability of federal funds and resources which will leverage economic activity in our communities."
Responding to the census, will help Madison and St. Clair County communities get its fair share of the more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs such as Head Start and the National School Lunch Program.
"In order to secure our share of federal dollars for our local schools, roads and other critical services, we must all be counted in the 2020 census," said Stuart (D-Edwardsville). "It's safe and easy to participate from home, and not too late for your response to influence funding for community resources over the next 10 years. If you've already responded, take a moment to check with your friends, family members and neighbors to make sure they get counted, too."
Residents can complete the census by mail or online at https://my2020census.gov.
