WI-04 needs a fair count in the 2020 Census. I am writing to encourage you all to complete your Census questionnaire. Last week, during Census Week, we highlighted how important it was for communities of color to complete their Census form, with each day focused on engaging Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, Latinx individuals, Native Americans, and the Black community.

The Census uses your information to make important determinations, including your political representation in Congress and funding for important community resources like hospitals, roads, and schools. Your response, or lack of response, will have implications for critical decisions about funding and political power for at least the next decade! 

A George Washington University study found that Wisconsin was provided $12 billion in funding using 2010 Census information, which funded Medicaid, school lunch programs, WIC, and other critical programs.

That’s why it’s critically important that we receive an accurate count. I want to make sure that our communities don’t miss out on important funding and no one is discouraged from responding. The Census questionnaire does not ask for your citizenship status, Social Security number, or banking information and all responses are confidential and secure.

So far, just 59.8 percent of WI-04 has completed their Census form. And that number is much lower in some neighborhoods in our city. In contrast, in neighboring communities, the completion rate is already as high as 80%. Every household deserves to be counted. By now you should have received numerous contacts from the Census Bureau through the mail. You can respond through mail, online, or by phone at 844-330-2020. Respond today. It only takes a few minutes. In a few weeks, if your household does not respond, you may receive a follow up visit from a census taker.  
                                 
In the midst of everything that is happening, completing the Census is admittedly the last thing on your mind.  But the 10 minutes that it takes to complete the Census is an investment in ensuring that our community has the resources that it needs to meet the challenges ahead.

Don’t miss the chance to ensure your child’s school, your neighborhood, and your city receives the resources it needs.

Your friend, 
Gwen