McKnight Testimony on ACR-188

            (TRENTON) – Below is the full the testimony of Angela McKnight (D-Hudson) made during the public hearing of ACR-188 before the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Monday:

            “Every 10 years in New Jersey, census information is used to fulfill our constitutional obligation of redistricting. Under normal circumstances, the redistricting commission would have accurate data that shows New Jersey’s demographics and create legislative districts with equal representation. However, we are currently living in unprecedented times. The coronavirus pandemic has affected us in ways we have never seen in most of our lifetimes, and communities of color have been hit the hardest. Because of the pandemic, the Census has been conducted almost entirely online. The digital divide is unfortunately a reality in our state which further puts communities of color at a significant disadvantage. 

            “I represent the 31^st District which includes the majority of Jersey City. Jersey City is one of the most diverse cities in the country and will bear the brunt of any undercount. Jersey City’s self-response rate is currently only 49.5% compared to the statewide average of 64.1%. In 2010, the self-response rate in Jersey City was 58.4%. If this is not corrected, Jersey City will be significantly undercounted. 

“As a black legislator, I will continue to advocate for a process that prioritizes the Voting Rights Act that my ancestors fought for, which provides for a proper redistricting process that does not discriminate and guarantees communities of color have input on who represents them in government. Enacting a new map based on a Census that undercounts communities of color would cruelly compound problems in housing, school funding, and other social services for years to come. Communities of Color should achieve significant gains in New Jersey’s next redistricting—but we must have an accurate Census. 

            “ACR188 provides us with time to accomplish all of this, as we are unsure as to when the pandemic will die down or when New Jersey will receive adequate Census data from the federal government, especially given the President’s recent comments towards our undocumented community. New Jersey must be prepared and ACR188 is a step in that direction. Thank you.”