Legislation would help prevent undercounting in the upcoming census

(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson knows that an accurate census count is key to ensuring New Jersey receives its fair share of adequate funding and representation in Washington. That is why she sponsored Bill A1730, also known as the “Everyone Counts in New Jersey Act.” The legislation cleared the Assembly State and Local Government Committee last Thursday.

“Census data helps determine how billions of dollars in State and federal funding get distributed to essential services across our 21 counties,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer). "By starting early and strengthening our outreach efforts, we can achieve full participation in the 2030 Census, benefiting our communities for years to come."

New Jersey currently lacks a permanent, centralized entity responsible for Census preparation and outreach. To address that gap, the legislation would establish a New Jersey Census Complete Count Commission within the Secretary of State’s Office to develop, recommend, and assist in the administration of a census outreach strategy to encourage full participation in the 2030 Census. It would also create a “New Jersey Office of the Census” to support the efforts of the Commission.

Lastly, the bill would create a “New Jersey Census Complete Count Trust Fund.” Monies in the fund would be used by the Department of State to fund State, local, and community efforts to achieve the full count of the State’s population in the upcoming 2030 Census.

Assembly members Yvonne Lopez and William W. Spearman also sponsored the legislation.