The stakes are higher than ever for the 2020 census

The outbreak of COVID-19 has challenged Colorado like no event in living memory. Although its impact on our health care system, schools and social services has rightly received the most attention, we cannot take our eyes off another issue affecting them all: the 2020 census.

Since our founding over 230 years ago, Americans have stood up to be counted in times of war and times of peace, amidst dustbowls and depressions, and during moments of collective fear and hope for the nation. They stood up in difficult moments like our own, not only because the Constitution requires it, but because democracy depends on it. The founders understood that you cannot represent the people if you do not know who and where they are.

In our time, the 2020 census is critical for Colorado because it helps determine the federal representation and resources we receive.

It has direct influence over our voice in Washington. Every decade, census data informs how many congressional districts each state receives. Some states gain seats while others lose them. After years of booming growth, Colorado stands an excellent chance to gain a seat and strengthen our influence in Washington — but only if we count everyone.

Similarly, census data also influences nearly every federal and state dollar our communities receive. That could mean more money — or less — for essential state and county programs including Medicaid, housing vouchers, free or reduced school meals, grants for community projects, and support for our farmers and transportation projects.

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