Senator Nia H. Gill Hosts Forum with Faith Leaders of the 34^th District to Discuss 2020 Census

Montclair – Senator Nia H. Gill (D-Essex/Passaic), Commissioner of the New Jersey Complete Count Commission, invited all faith leaders of the 34^th Legislative District to a 2020 Census forum hosted by Reverend Dr. Bernadette Glover at St. Paul Baptist Church of Montclair on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Senator Gill along with New Jersey Secretary of State, Tahesha Way and representatives from the United States Census Bureau NY Regional Office highlighted the partnership needed with faith leaders to ensure a complete count.

“I thought it was necessary to bring the faith leaders together to discuss the Census because when communities are undercounted, communities are underserved. This is why I am fiercely advocating for a complete and accurate count. There is a great thrust to have the Census filled out online but there is distrust among our senior citizens surrounding the internet and this can create barriers to access for vulnerable populations. Our trust in our faith leaders makes them uniquely qualified to get the message out and expand our reach of knowledge.”

“Billions of dollars in federal funds are issued to states and municipalities each year for building our communities, offering employment opportunities, maintaining infrastructure, and providing social services. An accurate Census count helps direct funds where they are most needed, ensuring that communities throughout New Jersey are properly serviced and fully counted.”

“The 34^th Legislative District is the one of the most diverse districts in the state of New Jersey; I know that we can work on strategies that serve our communities to make certain that a full count happens. One of the most important struggles for civil rights is to be counted… and we all count,” said Senator Gill.