Committee will work to ensure Ulster County is properly represented for redistricting and federal funding distribution
Kingston, NY. – Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan today announced the formation of Ulster County’s Complete Count Committee. Featuring a diverse group of community leaders, the committee will work with various civic organizations and local governments to raise awareness about the upcoming 2020 census to ensure that the residents of Ulster County are properly represented and understand the census process.
“Ulster County is going to work to ensure that every person is counted in the 2020 Census,” County Executive Ryan said. “Census data will be critical in determining numerous funding streams along with representation at the federal, state, and local levels. We are committed to educating the public on this process and engaging all facets of our diverse community.”
“I am honored that I have been chosen to chair the Ulster County Complete Count Committee,” Jennifer J. Clark, Assistant Ulster County Attorney said. “Ulster County has a significant population of hard to count individuals and the Committee will focus on ensuring that they are included. It will also have the daunting task of addressing the new issues posed by the shift to an online count. The County has put together a great team with lots of ideas to address these challenges, and I can't wait to get started.”
“It is vital that every person in Ulster County is accounted for and is aware of the 2020 Census,” Maude Bruce, President, Ellenville NAACP said. “I am looking forward to working with County Executive Ryan as a member of the Complete Count Committee to ensure that our community is informed about the census and its important impacts.”
Required by the United States Constitution, every ten years the federal government undertakes the census process. The census is used to fund $675 billion in federal programs, including for roads and bridges, public schools, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps), the National School Lunch Program, Section 8 Housing, Head Start, and the Community Development Block Grants.
Census data also determines political representation, both on the federal and local level. This includes the electoral votes each state receives.
The Complete Count Committee will work to promote the census through numerous local organizations and community events. They will look to enhance the number of participants in this process as well as educate the public.
Members of the committee include the following:
- Maude Bruce, Ellenville NAACP
- Jennifer J. Clark, Assistant Ulster County Attorney
- Dennis Doyle, Director of Ulster County Planning Department
- Daisey Paredes Taylor, League of Women Voters of the Mid-Hudson Valley
- Legislative Majority Appointment
- Legislative Minority Appointment
For additional information and to find out how to get involved, please email completecount[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us
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