The United States Supreme Court’s decision to block the inclusion of a citizenship question on the U.S. Census is a critical win for democracy. The Census helps determine the path of our communities, state and nation.

I was proud to add my name to more than 150 bipartisan state and local elected officials and municipalities around the country in challenging the addition of a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. As New Yorkers, we are proud of our state’s diversity and committed to ensuring everyone participates in the 2020 Census, which will have a major impact on the future of our State. Each person not counted costs New York thousands of dollars in federal aid.

The addition of a citizenship question would have resulted in inaccurate census data and diverted hundreds of millions of dollars away from vital programs that support public education, nutrition, health care, crime victims, transportation infrastructure, community development, rehabilitation centers, and unemployment insurance, as well as the size of our congressional representation. The improper allocation of this funding would have negatively impacted the lives of millions who need it most. These impacts would have been felt by Americans across the country, from cities to rural neighborhoods, including in communities like ours.

I am thrilled that the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the lower court, rejecting the addition of a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. This ruling enshrines a portion of our Constitution that empowers the people over government by ensuring that every person is counted, thereby securing fair and equal representation in Congress.