Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Dear colleagues,
I am writing to share some important information. We are on the 2020 Census countdown to the September 30th Deadline.
You know how important it is for every single person in Illinois to be counted in the Census. The more responses we get, the more federal money our state receives for improved hospitals, stronger schools, and safer roads and bridges.
If you haven't already, I am asking you as a State employee, to please do your part, and complete the Census which takes less than 10 minutes of your time. Secondly, I am asking all IDHS employees to complete this one-question anonymous survey regarding completing the Census: http://intranet.dhs.illinois.gov/onenet/page.aspx?item=126476
Overall, Illinois is doing well in the Census. However, there are many neighborhoods, cities, and counties across the state that are hovering between 30-50% participation rates and we want to see those stats go up. These areas include some of our most marginalized and hard-to-count communities, so we need to do everything we can to get them counted. These communities have also been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the pandemic has limited traditional Census community outreach such as neighborhood events and community hubs to complete the Census.
It's just a few questions, it takes less than 10 minutes, and it's more important than ever to ensure that Illinois receives all of the federal funding that it needs. The current Census self-response rate is 70.2%. In 2010, Illinois reached 70.5%. We continue to rank top 10 in the nation (we're currently #6). And of the top 10, Illinois is the most populous state and the City of Chicago is leading all cities with over 2M population. We have 15 days to get our numbers even higher, so let's group together and make sure you are counted!
We must do everything we can to make sure EVERY Illinoisan is counted.
Remember, this is our chance to get it right until 2030. Go to my2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020.
Take the time to be counted and tell your Illinois friends and family. Because you all matter.
Sincerely,
Grace
Grace B. Hou
Secretary, IDHS
