County Judge Cortez regarding Census ruling
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – “This week, we have been reminded more than ever of the importance of a complete count, which influences the amount of funding available for infrastructure, community services, healthcare, and other resources.
“The Constitution calls for all U.S. residents to be counted, regardless of citizenship or residency status.
“With more than $600 billion in federal funds as well as the drawing of congressional districts at stake, we must ensure that Hidalgo County is accurately represented because we have to provide services to all of our residents, whether or not they were counted.
“According to the feedback and research provided in the course of the county’s efforts to ensure an accurate count, most believe that including a citizenship question would decrease participation.
“We appreciate all of our partners and the support we have received in the county’s efforts to increase participation in the 2020 Census.
“The County’s objectives for the 2020 Census remain unchanged:
- Important – to communicate the importance of everyone’s participation;
- Easy – to make the process as easy to complete as possible; and
- Safe – to ensure residents are confident there are no negative consequences to response
“Information will continue to be provided through the United We Count/Unidos Contamos campaign.” – Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez
Here is how an undercount impacts Hidalgo County:
If we are undercounted by just 10,000 residents, the county stands to lose $160 million in federal dollars over 10 years.
