Ahead of the 2020 U.S. Census, a new state-wide collaborative aims to engage community partners to reach Texans that have been traditionally undercounted, including the 25%who live in hard-to-count areas.
A complete population count is imperative to the state’s future. Even a 1% undercount could cost Texas $300 million in federal funding per year and three additional congressional seats.
Texas is one of just a few states not putting money toward efforts to achieve an accurate count, leaving cities, counties and community partnerships to lead the charge.
Which populations are the most likely to be undercounted and how is the new Texas Counts initiative targeting their campaign to reach these individuals and families?
Guests:
- Elizabeth Bille, Texas State Director for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) education fund and committee member for the Texas Counts campaign
- George Tang, managing director of the Educate Texas initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas and co-chair of Dallas Complete Count Committee
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*This interview was recorded on Monday, December 2.
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