Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez reminds New Yorkers that Census Day is April 1, and urges everyone to fill out their questionnaire and mail it back. The Census count happens just once every 10 years, and the information collected in the coming weeks will be used to distribute federal help over the next decade.

“A fair and equal count in 2010 will ensure New York’s diverse communities receive vital resources for schools, health care, job training and infrastructure,” Velázquez said.

In the past, Hispanic and other minority communities have always been undercounted in Census figures. This year, Congresswoman Velázquez and her colleagues are working to get the message out about the importance of participating in the Census.

“Only through a fair and accurate count can we ensure that all Americans receive the federal assistance and representation they deserve,” she said.

Velázquez advises New Yorkers to answer all questions honestly, and to talk with Census workers if they come to your home. The U.S. Census Bureau respects the privacy of individuals and nothing that is disclose can be used against you by any government agency or court.

Watch Congresswoman Velázquez’s Public Service Announcement on the 2010 Census: English | Español/Spanish

Information on the Census is available online:
English | Español/Spanish | Chinese (Traditional)

MARCH 2010 E-NEWSLETTER

On March 1, 2010, Rep. Velázquez met with students during a visit to P.S. 64 on the Lower East Side.

The Congresswoman's visit coincided with Read Across America Day. This annual event gets kids excited about reading and motivates them to pick up a book every day of the year.

• March 22, 2010 -- Velázquez Applauds Health Care Passage: Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented on passage of the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act."
• March 22, 2010 -- Velázquez Applauds Signing of HIRE Act: President Barack Obama last week signed into law the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, H.R. 2847.
• March 15, 2010 -- Velázquez Secures Resources to Improve New York Public Housing: Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-12) commented today on the federalization of 21 City and State owned public housing buildings, including the Bushwick and Rutgers facilities located in New York's 12th Congressional District.
• March 2, 2010 -- Velázquez Comments on Superfund Designation for Gowanus Canal: Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement today regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to list the Gowanus Canal on its Superfund National Priorities List.