New York Counts 2020 is a coalition of more than eighty organizations statewide advocating for a fair and accurate 2020 Census. The results of the Census determine allocations to New York for basic survival programs and redistricting at every level of government. Census results also impact critical business decisions that impact the growth and vitality of New York State. With the growing distrust of government, New York State, with the most diverse immigrant population in the country and number of hard to count communities in 2010 that included minorities, women and children, risks losing millions of dollars if there is an undercount in the 2020 Census.

New York Counts 2020 Census Questionnaire

Name: Howie Hawkins

Office Seeking: Governor

District: New York State

California just allocated 90 million to support 2020 Census outreach efforts to help the state avoid massive undercounting and loss of millions in federal funding and legislative districts. Will you commit to supporting at least $50 million (less than $2.50 per state resident) in New York State's budget for 2020 Census funding for community-based groups to educate, outreach, and provide assistance to people completing the Census online?

Yes

Do you support the inclusion of the citizenship question on the 2020 Census?

No

What specifically will you do as Governor/State Senator/State Assembly Member to ensure New York achieves a full and complete Census count in 2020?

Follow through on the state and local Complete Census Committees authorized in 2018. Do public service announcements to encourage people to cooperate with census takers and explain why it is important to their communities.

What do you see as the role of community-based organizations in Census education, outreach, and assistance?

Community-based organizations should be included in Complete Census Committees and supported in their education, outreach, and assistance to get a complete count, especially in hard-to-count communities.