The Fund for New Jersey actively supports efforts to ensure that New Jersey’s residents are counted more accurately in the 2030 Census to ensure the Garden State receives the resources, representation, and information it needs and deserves.

Without an accurate count, New Jersey residents will lose resources and representation. Currently, New Jersey receives more than $65 billion each year from federal assistance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, transportation infrastructure, and special education and school breakfast funds – all amounts based on Census counts. The Garden State retained all 12 of its congressional seats following the 2020 Census, thanks to a well-resourced and widespread outreach campaign. Comparatively, New York lost a congressional seat by a relatively small margin—89 residents—a reminder of the importance of counting everyone. Too many New Jerseyans go uncounted. Further, those (faulty) numbers will determine the next 10 years of federal funding, federal redistricting, state redistricting, and state funding.

A complete count can generate more federal resources and more influence for New Jersey. Census work supports democracy by increasing civic engagement and public awareness. The time to begin is NOW.

For more background on the Census and why it matters to New Jersey,

For more information and assistance to support a complete count in 2030, contact: Alana Vega, The Fund for New Jersey (avega@fundfornj.org).