Dear Thornburg Foundation Grantees,
New Mexico is at risk of a significant undercount in the 2020 Census and we need your help.
Due to last minute changes by the U.S. Census Bureau, our residents' right to be counted is in jeopardy. Most recently, the Bureau shortened the deadline to participate in the 2020 Census to September 30 — a full month earlier than planned.
While we urged the Census Bureau to return to the normal deadline — alongside 500 other foundations nationwide — we are doing everything we can to make sure that everyone in New Mexico is counted before September 30th.
Right now, New Mexico is in danger of losing more than $3 billion over the next 10 years*. A census undercount means cuts for Title I schools and school food programs, cuts for firefighters and first responders, less road funding, and reduced access to health care for the next 10 years. It also fundamentally changes our political representation. It is critical that all of our voices are heard and that our communities get the funding they deserve.
We are rural and urban. We are parents and children. We are diverse. We are mixed-status. We are essential. We are New Mexico, and we will be counted.
Here are actions that you and your organization can do to contribute to a complete count today. The link also has great information about how an undercount affects different areas of concern, such as education, human services, agriculture and food, healthcare and representation.
We are asking all of our partners to take action to support the census TODAY! Please be a census ambassador to your community, your friends and your family. Will you join us to make sure everyone is counted?
In Partnership,
Allan Oliver
Executive Director, Thornburg Foundation
Co-Chair, Census Funders Group
Member, Statewide Complete Count Commission
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