DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 18, 2019) — The 2020 Census kicks off in just one year, and local hospitals, nonprofits, and government agencies that bring our federal tax-dollars back to the community are counting on the people of the Quad Cities — literally.
Regional and community leaders will make a bipartisan case for the need for accurate and complete figures about our community during the We All Are Connected: Quad Cities Census News Conference, 2PM, Friday, June 21, at the Putnam. This free event is open to the public.
Scheduled speakers include Iowa state Senator Chris Cournoyer, who will share remarks on behalf of US Sen Joni Ernst; US Census Bureau Regional Director Marilyn Sanders; American Anthropological Association Executive Director Ed Liebow; Q2030 Director Greg Aguilar; and Putnam CEO/President Kim Findlay.
The 2020 Census will determine how more than $800 billion in federal funding is allocated each year, and this event, presented by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Q2030, The Doris and Victor Day Foundation, and the Putnam, aims to raise awareness.
According to president and CEO at Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Paul Rumler, “We want to ensure an accurate count for many reasons, including ensuring our region has appropriate representation and services based on the Census results. A region’s population and available workforce are key drivers for economic development as decision makers consider where to invest resources.”
“The census is critical to figuring out what our community needs to be healthier, safer and more successful,” according to Jennifer Vondracek, program officer at the Doris and Victor Day Foundation. “We have to make sure everyone is counted, and we have to start preparing now.”
RECENT FIGURES FEATURED AT THE PUTNAM
The event will be held from within the Putnam’s traveling exhibit, “RACE: Are We So Different?” — which examines the science and history of human variation. The exhibit features a section dedicated to the history of the census and its classification of race.
The award-winning exhibit’s run at the museum has been extended by popular demand through June 23, and is included with museum admission. More information can be found at www.putnam.org/race.
UNDERSTANG THE CENSUS
Rooted in the US Constitution, the census helps decide how the country’s 435 representatives are divided among the population.
According to the US Census Bureau’s website, census.gov, federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by demographics collected by the once-every-decade study.
“Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone,” the website says. “When you respond to the census, you help your community gets its fair share of the more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.”
About the Putnam
The Putnam has been inspiring ideas, dialogue, and interaction among people of all ages for 150 years. And today, we’re better than ever with hands-on fun for the whole family. Launch rockets or interact with a robot in the Science Center, “touch the untouchable” in the Augmented Reality Experience, visit our famous mummies in Unearthing Ancient Egypt, climb into a tree house in Black Earth | Big River or go back in time to see our region’s history in River, Prairie and People. Also experience internationally-recognized traveling exhibits or take in a movie in the GIANT Screen Theater with a screen towering six-stories tall. Our welcoming team is dedicated to helping you discover and explore in a friendly and engaging place.
