Gov. Pritzker calling on Blono to complete 2020 Census

Gov. Pritzker (middle) spoke at Illinois State University with Normal Mayor Chris Koos (lef) and Illinois State University President Dr. Larry Dietz (right) about the 2020 Census. (Photo courtesy: Blake Haas/WJBC)

By Blake Haas

NORMAL – Armed with McLean county leaders next to his side, Gov. Pritzker called on Twin-City residents to complete the 2020 Census saying, “the stakes could not be higher.”

Visiting Illinois State University on Wednesday, Gov. Pritzker said an accurate count of the Census would ensure Illinois will receive federal funding for various resources that rely on federal funding.

“So Redbirds, I want you all to know that the stakes could not be higher. Every ten years in this country, we count the number of people who live in this state, and based upon that number, the federal government gives our state funding for schools, hospitals, roads and child care, and much more. And the higher the count, the more of your federal tax money comes back to Illinois instead of going to other states and the more representatives we get in Congress.”

Gov. Pritzker spoke at Illinois State University on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy: Blake Haas/WJBC)

Gov. Pritzker said with a 1% undercount, the state could lose out on $195 million in federal funding each year.

So far, 37% of McLean County residents have yet to fill out the 2020 Census.

“It is so critical that we get an accurate count for McLean County so that as stated before, federal representations and federal fundings truly represent our community. And I’m going to put an emphasis on that; we need to count the residents of McLean County to get an accurate count to get fair federal representation.”

To complete the Census, visit my2020Census.gov. The Census count ends in Sept. 30.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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