Millions of federal and state dollars could be lost locally if Latinos residing in the city of Los Angeles avoid answering the 2010 Census, a coalition of local leaders, including Cardinal Roger Mahony, warned the public during an Oct. 1 press conference.
According to L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, 76,800 people were not counted in the 2000 Census, generating a loss of $200 million of federal and state funds that could have been used for schools, transportation, roads, or health care.
"We want to get Latino residents stand up and be heard," Villaraigosa said as he opened the conference held at the L.A. City Hall to kick off the national campaign, "Ya es hora.!Hágase contar!" ("It's time. Make yourself count!")
Cardinal Mahony also talked about the benefits of being counted in the next census.
"Latinos in the United States alone could see up to an additional $100 million in funding for their communities if the 2010 Census can produce an accurate count," said the cardinal, the head of the country's largest and most diverse archdiocese.
Over the next 10 years, he continued, "Census data will determine the allocation of up to $3 trillion in federal funds for essential programs such as public transportation, road construction, schools, child care and hospitals."
Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the second largest nationwide. According to 2006 census estimates, Latinos in the City of L.A. comprised 46.5 percent of its total population of 3.9 million. About 58 percent spoke languages other than English at home.
A 2008 estimate showed that from the total population of 9.9 million in L.A. County, 48 percent were Latinos and 54 percent spoke languages other than English at home.
Experts have said that behind Latinos' reluctance to fill out the Census forms lies government distrust, a fear that the information provided could be used on their own detriment. Language barriers are also a great concern.
In an effort to gain people's trust, the Census Bureau announced earlier this year that, for the first time, in 2010 it will distribute bilingual forms to 13.5 million households nationwide in predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, with Los Angeles County topping the list.
Census forms will also be available in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian, upon request.
Confidentiality concerns were addressed during the conference.
"I want to assure you that the Census is confidential," Cardinal Mahony said. "By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's answers with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies."
The cardinal noted that immigrant communities are a vital part of the nation, working in the shadows of society, which has made it impossible to "get a real picture of the true make up of our cities."
He said a complete census would help elected officials and candidates have a better understanding of the diversity and needs of their constituents.
"Don't be afraid to be counted," said Councilmember Ed Reyes. Pointing to a map showing the communities in central and southern part of the city, he said the poorest communities are usually the hardest to count, contrary to their benefit. "Be afraid not to be counted," he added.
Ron Garcia, board member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund (NALEO) and mayor pro term of the City of Brea, also urged Latinos to answer the call to get counted and mentioned that the "Ya es hora. !Hágase contar!" campaign is the largest comprehensive non-partisan effort for a full Latino count.
As of Oct 1, said Garcia, the public can check the Web site www.yaeshora.info, to find census-related information in Spanish, including a hotline to request the bilingual form, and a guide on how to fill the forms.
Monica Lozano, publisher and chief executive officer of Spanish-language newspaper La Opinión, pledged a commitment to participate in the coalition, representing media outlets. Other media involved in the campaign are Spanish TV corporations Univision Communications Inc. and Entravision, which together with impreMedia (La Opinión's parent company) reach 99 percent of U.S. Latino homes.
Lozano said the Spanish-language media outlets will deliver a synchronized message to reach the immigrant community. Efforts will strengthen from March through May, she said, and local talents and celebrities will join the campaign as well.
She also announced a flyer drop - by early next year. Flyers will contain useful information to "demystify and dispel concerns of confidentiality."
On behalf of labor groups, Mike Garcia, president of SEIU Local 1877, called participation in the 2010 Census a critical step toward political strength.
"Entire communities were left out (in the 2000 Census), which affected the allocation of funds," he said.
The labor leader said residents can't afford to lose funds which could be used for public education and other benefits, and could lead to the opening of more seats in Congress.
"It is in the best interest of our communities and of our nation that the Latino and immigrant communities participate fully and without fear in the 2010 Census," Cardinal Mahony said.
The "Ya es hora. !Hágase contar!" national campaign builds on the success of the 2007 "Ya es hora. !Ciudadanía!" ("It is time, citizens!") campaign, in which 1.4 million legal permanent residents became citizens, and the 2008 "Ya es hora. !Ve y vota!" campaign in which more than 10 million Latinos exercised their right to vote in the presidential election. For information about the campaign, visit www.yaeshora.info or call (877) 352-3676. |