Rep. TJ Cox has this message for his 21st District constituents and everyone in the Central Valley: Complete your 2020 census forms.

“This year’s census will help determine how billions of your tax dollars get distributed and whether that money comes back to the Central Valley,” the Fresno Democrat said. “If even 1% of residents aren’t counted in our communities, we could lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding.”

Cox points out that the census form has just 12 questions and doesn’t ask about citizenship. In addition, census officials aren’t allowed to release an individual’s information to immigration officials, law enforcement, or anyone else.

Three Ways to Fill Out Census

There are three ways to fill out the census: the form mailed to your residence, online at this link, or by calling (844) 330 2020.

“Make sure that we are all counted, and that our communities can get the financial assistance they deserve,” Cox said.

The census data determines how much funding each congressional district receives for critical services such as education, medical care, foster care, roads, public transit, and job programs. Census data also helps local governments enhance public safety and prepare for emergencies.

A new House of Representatives report indicates that every uncounted person in the 21st District could reduce yearly education funding by $1,236 and job training by $243.