CSEA members are working hard to make sure our union brothers and sisters are counted in the 2020 U.S. Census. It is vital we get an accurate count, as the census will determine funding of many public programs and services, including many provided by our members, for the next 10 years.
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- New York State Psychiatric Institute Local President Theresa Toliver reviews census information on the union bulletin board.
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- “Filling out the census form is extremely important. The services we provide in local government and our jobs are funded by federal money passed down from the state. The more people who are counted, the more money we will receive. If people fail to fill out the census, the much-needed services and jobs could disappear. It is imperative that all CSEA members communicate with their co-workers, family members and clients to fill out the census form.” — Amy Simmons, St. Lawrence County Local President and Central Region Treasurer
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- “By all of us participating in the 2020 Census, we are doing our part to keep vital public services intact, here in Erie County and all around the State of New York. We want everyone to be counted!” — Rachel Casey, employment counselor and Erie County Local Corresponding Secretary
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- “Every person counted in the 2020 Census brings additional money into our community. That money supports vital public services, social programs and political power in Washington D.C. It’s incredibly important we get this right.” — Scott Shugarts, document clerk and CSEA Erie County Local activist
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- “As CSEA union members and social activists, it is extremely important we all find a role to play when making sure we get an accurate count for the 2020 Census. New York cannot afford to lose out on federal tax dollars we rightly deserve. Our local communities are depending on us to get the job done.” — Angel Pride, chef/food service worker and Sodexo at Monroe Community College Local President
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- Nassau Community College Unit President Ana O’Gorman, who is bilingual, speaks with Eisenhower Park employees, many of whom speak Spanish as a first language.
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- From left, Capital Region Judiciary Local Secretary Dave Chambers, 1st Vice President Dawn Cota, President Nicole Ventresca-Cohen and 2nd Vice President Brian Wilson are working to make sure everyone is counted in the census. (Photo by Bill Gustafson)
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- CSEA Nassau County Parks and Recreation Unit President Kelly Hill passes out census paperwork at Eisenhower Park.
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- “As residents of the United States, we must let it be known that we count. Our completed census form puts us closer to receiving the funds necessary to help our schools, hospitals, pay public workers and many other vital programs.” — Abraham Johnson III, CSEA Long Island Developmental Center Local 2nd Vice President
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- Beacon School District Unit member Janice Edwards urges CSEA members to be counted.
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- “It’s important that we spread the word with our fellow CSEA members about why full participation in the census is in our best interest. We saw with the Constitutional Convention vote how powerful we are as a union when we all get out and vote. This should be no different. We’re paying federal taxes, so we should be getting our fair share of federal aid.” — Howard Crawford, Highland Residential Center Local President
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- CSEA and other union members discuss details of the 2020 U.S. Census during a CBTU meeting at the CSEA Long Island Region office.
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- “All children and families do better when they are counted. Families with children under 5 years old have a higher undercount rate than any other group. As child care providers, we must do everything we can to ensure that children and families in our care and our communities are counted, including immigrants, regardless of citizenship. The count affects federal funding for child care subsidies, food programs and local services such as community libraries and parks. Another 10 years with the mistake of not counting everyone would hinder progress and access to quality early learning and care.” — Heidi-Jo Brandt, CSEA/VOICE Ulster Chapter Representative
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- “Census data shapes the future of our community and will define working people’s voice in Congress. It will also provide a snapshot of our nation — our population, who we are and where we live — and so much more. Everyone must play a part in making sure everyone is counted.” — Angela Muscianese, clerk III, Monroe County Health Department and CSEA Monroe County Local 2nd Vice President
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- “As a clerk at the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services, I see every client who enters our building for services. We refer each to the proper department within DOSS or to another qualified agency for the proper services. We want everyone to be counted in the 2020 census regardless of one’s stature.” — Aggie Thompson, clerk, St. Lawrence County
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- On the cover, Mary Thompson, a motor vehicle clerk at St. Lawrence County, is working to get everyone counted. ““The census is so important, especially for counties like St. Lawrence. We have countless people walk through our doors every day at the DMV. If we’re able to then tell them the importance of being counted, then maybe they can spread that message, too, until we get everyone counted.” (Photo by Nicholas Newcomb)
