People are stepping up to help their communities in many ways through the COVID-19 crisis. From mutual aid groups to practicing responsible social distancing, Michiganders are doing their part to get through this together.
If you haven’t done so already, taking the census is a small act you can do right now to help your community over the next decade. It only takes a few minutes and can be done from home—online, by phone or by mail.
If people in your community get missed by the census, that means less money for roads, schools, healthcare services and more. The COVID-19 crisis threatens the 2020 Census, as workers must wait to go door to door and many community gathering places, where census events were planned, are closed. We can’t let this crisis lead to an undercount.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s at stake. In Fiscal Year 2016, federal dollars to Michigan that were determined using census data included:
- Over $12 billion in Medicaid
- Over $2 billion in food assistance (SNAP)
- Over $1 billion in highway planning and construction
- Over $400 million in special education grants
- Over $300 million in school lunches
- And millions of dollars more for child care, health centers, Medicare, housing and more
Additionally, the state of Michigan and localities will begin receiving assistance in response to COVID-19. In crises, census data is used to make crucial decisions about resources and where money is spent. That’s another reason why we need to make sure no one gets missed, including those in hard-to-reach areas, complex households or those living without homes.
Responses are confidential and only used to produce statistics. Your answers are prohibited from being shared with law enforcement, immigration officials or landlords.
The Census Bureau is making adjustments to keep workers safe and encourage participation during this challenging time. As of now, you have until Aug. 14 to self-respond.
Respond today and don’t forget to count everyone, especially children and babies, living in your household—even if they’re only staying there temporarily. It was estimated that over 10% of children under 5 were missed in the 2010 Census. All communities rely on a complete count. You can find resources for why the census is important to different demographic groups here.
Filling out the census is a small service that will have a big impact for the next ten years. Spread the word this Census Day to self-respond and count everyone: and especially to #CountAllKids!
Here’s how to take the census.
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Jacob Kaplan 
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Donald Stuckey 
Patrick Schaefer
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Amber Bellazaire joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a policy analyst in June of 2019. Her work primarily focuses on state policy and budgets affecting Michigan’s Medicaid programs. Previously, Amber worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures tracking legislation and research related to injury and violence prevention, adolescent health, and maternal and child health. She also brings with her two years of Americorps service. As a full time volunteer, Amber had the opportunity to tutor high school students in Chelsea, Massachusetts and address issues of healthcare access and food insecurity through in-person outreach in Seattle, Washington.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
