Census count will determine federal funding, redistricting, and House seats
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX (Oct. 15, 2019) – Hays County is gearing up for the 2020 Census and is inviting interested citizens to apply to serve on the newly formed Complete Count Committee. Members will help residents understand the importance of the Census and encourage them to complete the Census form that will be mailed in late March or early April 2020. Some households will also be visited by Census workers with appropriate identification.
“We encourage citizens from the educational, media, business, religious, philanthropic, and community sectors to become part of our Complete Count Committee,” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said. “Members should be willing and able to serve until the Census is over and help implement a creative outreach campaign in areas that may not be covered by the municipal and university Complete Count Committees.”
Judge Becerra and Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe will also serve on the committee.
The U.S. Government distributes billions of dollars to states and counties based on Census population figures. The Census count is also used for redistricting and determines the number of seats a state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“An accurate count of residents for the 2020 Census will help ensure that Hays County gets its fair share of tax dollars back from the federal government, which is why it is important that every household be counted accurately,” Becerra said. “I want this volunteer committee to work with other area committees and to reach unincorporated areas of the county which might not be aware of the importance of the census.”
The Hays County Commissioners Court previously approved including $50,000 for outreach in its 2020 budget and has submitted a grant application for additional funds from the Hogg Foundation.
Hays County citizens who are interested in being considered for the Complete Count Committee should email judge.becerra@co.hays.tx.us with their name, contact email, phone number, and which sector (educational, media, business, religious, philanthropic, or community) they plan to represent.