New Jersey Assembly Bill A3659

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/22
• Refer: 3/17/22

Caption

Creates "Census Complete Count Trust Fund" in Department of State for funding efforts to achieve full count of State's population each federal decennial census.

Impact

With the creation of the trust fund, the bill seeks to enhance the ability of state and local governments as well as community organizations to conduct activities that educate and assist residents in participating in the census. The importance of an accurate census count cannot be overstated, as it affects federal funding allocations, legislative representation, and various social services. By providing tangible financial resources, A3659 aims to mitigate issues of undercounting that have historically affected certain demographics and regions within the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3659, introduced in New Jersey, proposes the establishment of a 'Census Complete Count Trust Fund' within the Department of State. The intent of this legislation is to allocate annual funding of $1 million from the State General Fund to support initiatives aimed at ensuring a comprehensive count of the state's population during each federal decennial census. This bill responds to the need for increased outreach and resources to encourage participation in the census, which is critical for effective representation and resource distribution.

Contention

Despite the overall support for the initiative, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of funded programs. Discussions may emerge on the types of outreach efforts that qualify for support from the fund and how these efforts will be monitored and evaluated for effectiveness. Furthermore, there could be debates related to the allocation of funds between urban and rural areas, with concerns about ensuring equitable distribution and access to resources necessary for a complete count.