BROWARD COUNTY, FL – The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court today to block a citizenship question on next year’s Census 2020 will have large positive implications for Broward County, both for the distribution of federal funding for programs assisting our most vulnerable and our representation in Congress and the state legislature. Adding a question about citizenship status would have had a chilling effect on the participation of millions of people in our immigrant communities. With a high percentage of non-citizens residing in South Florida, this decision will make it much more likely that Broward County will reach its complete count goals.

In 2020, the estimated Census undercount of Broward residents led to the County losing more than $210,000,000 in federal funding over the last ten years. Federal dollars tied to local population numbers are used to fund, among many other things, programs for children, the elderly, public education, healthcare, and housing. These federal dollars alleviate the need to supplement these important programs with local taxpayer revenue.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the Supreme Court decision. Federal funding we receive based on the Census count is vital to our ability to support the well-being of everyone who resides in Broward County,” said Commissioner Nan H. Rich, Chair of the County’s Complete Count Committee. “We urge all of our residents, citizens and noncitizens alike, to participate in the Census next year. The information you provide is safe and secure. In fact, federal law dictates that any information you disclose cannot be made public for the next 72 years.”

By law, answers can only be used to produce statistics. The Federal government cannot share your information with immigration enforcement agencies, law enforcement agencies, or allow it to be used to determine your eligibility for government benefits.

To follow our local count or to access important Census information that you can share, connect with Broward.org/Census2020. If you have questions about what residence you should report, our website can provide answers.