[ST. PAUL, MN] – Marking one year until Census Day 2020, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan joined the co-chairs of the Minnesota Complete Count Committee to kick off Minnesota’s “We Count” Census campaign. The campaign brings together a statewide coalition of counties, cities, nonprofits, foundations, and advocacy groups to support an accurate and fully-inclusive 2020 Census count in Minnesota.

“The census is more than just a count, it is about making sure everyone in Minnesota feels seen, heard, and valued,” Governor Walz said. “An accurate and fully-inclusive 2020 Census count is absolutely critical for communities across the state. The census is an opportunity to claim a seat at the table because being counted means being visible, and being visible means Minnesotans are able to stake claim to their fair share of political representation and resources.”

A complete count is essential for Minnesota due to its impact on federal funding and federal representation. The 2020 Census count will guide the distribution of more than $150 billion in federal funding to Minnesota communities between 2020 and 2030. Census data are used to allocate funds for a range of public services including education, health care, housing, and transportation. The 2020 Census will also determine the number of seats Minnesota has in the U.S. House of Representatives.  In 2010, Minnesota barely retained eight Congressional by a slim margin of just 8,000 residents.

“Getting a complete count in the 2020 census is critical to the future of our state. We have a large and growing group of people who are working to ensure that their neighbors understand the importance of filling out the census form completely and accurately,” Lieutenant Governor Flanagan said. “When people understand that the census is an important part of getting much-needed resources for their communities, they begin to understand the power that being counted holds.”

Communities across the state are marking the occasion in their home communities. A range of Minnesota cities—such as Duluth, Moorhead, and Becker, and New Ulm—are holding their first “Complete Count Committee” Census 2020 strategy meetings this week. City councils and county boards are also passing resolutions to recognize the importance of the census and to kick off their year-long Census efforts. To-date, more than 100 cities and counties across the state have committed to promoting the census in their own communities over the next year.

A Complete Count Committee (CCC) is a volunteer committee established by tribal, state, and local governments, and/or community leaders, to increase awareness about the census, and motivate residents in the community to respond. The committees work best when they include a cross section of community representatives from government agencies, education, business, religious organizations, and the media. The CCC is charged with developing and implementing a plan designed to target the unique characteristics of their community.

Governor Walz’s budget recommends $1. 6 million in for Minnesota’s 2020 Census outreach and engagement efforts.