WHEREAS, the next United States federal census will occur in 2020; and

WHEREAS, the census provides the federal government with the data it needs to disburse federal funds; and

WHEREAS, the state of New York receives $53 billion per year for federally funded programs affecting public schools, public housing, senior centers, Medicaid, SNAP, roads and bridges, and emergency preparedness, and New York City receives the lion’s share of that funding; and

WHEREAS, the population statistics derived from the census determine representation in the House of Representatives, putting up to two Congressional seats at stake for New York and affecting the balance of the Electoral College; and

WHEREAS, a lack of participation in the census means New Yorkers are undercounted — typically New York City has a 61 percent response rate for the census, below the national average; therefore be it

RESOLVED, the United Federation of Teachers will educate its members and the school community about the stakes of the federal census and importance of participation; and be it further

RESOLVED, the UFT will encourage its members and the school community to participate in the federal census.

RESOLVED, the United Federation of Teachers will work with Census 2020 and other organizations that promote full participation in the census of 2020.