Governor Hogan Announces Maryland Finishes in Top Ten for 2020 Census Response
More Than 2.2 Million Households Counted, 99.9% Total Response, Response Rate Exceeds 2010 Self-Response Rate, Carroll County Ranked 24th Out of More Than 3,200 Counties Nationwide

By SHAREESE CHURCHILL
Office of the Governor

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (October 16, 2020)—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland finished ninth in the nation for response to the 2020 Census. More than 2.2 million households were counted, representing a total of 99.9 percent of the state’s population.

“Our administration is proud that even amid all of this year’s challenges, Marylanders stepped up with one of the country’s leading response rates to the 2020 Census,” said Governor Hogan. “The participation of 2.2 million Maryland households will mean critical federal funding for our state over the next decade for services used by our citizens every single day—from meals to Medicare and health care to highways. I want to sincerely thank all of the community leaders and volunteers who helped make this a successful Census for the State of Maryland.”

Maryland’s Response Rates. Every Maryland household that responded contributed to a record response despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Maryland ranked ninth for self-response in the U.S. with 71% of all Maryland households completing their forms online, by mail, or by phone. Maryland surpassed its 2010 self-response rate of 69.5%.

• Maryland ranked fourth in the U.S. for Internet response.

• Carroll County led the state with a self-response rate of 81.5%, ranking 24th in the U.S. out of more than 3,200 counties. Twenty-one of Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions exceeded their 2010 self-response rate.

Every Marylander counted represents more than $18,250 over the next decade in federal funding for programs including Medicare and Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), school construction, emergency preparedness, and transportation projects. Census data also determines reapportionment, informs redistricting, and ensures that Maryland receives appropriate representation in Congress.

“This process has been a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Maryland Planning Secretary Robert McCord. “Partnership efforts among the state and local complete count committees (CCCs) along with the tireless commitment of nonprofit organizations, businesses, faith leaders, and other state agencies will make a difference in the lives of all Marylanders for years to come. Each has played a role in helping to shape the future of Maryland.”

Due to the pandemic, Census marketing and outreach efforts to connect with Marylanders had to be significantly modified to reach people who were no longer commuting to work, school, and other activities. The Maryland Department of Planning created several online tools to reach hard-to-count populations in urban and rural communities. Digital marketing, social media, and virtual and limited in-person events helped to supplement traditional advertising. Planning created materials in English, Spanish, Korean, and other languages, and worked daily with the state and local CCCs to ensure a full count of all Marylanders. Governor Hogan, Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford, and First Lady Yumi Hogan all recorded public service announcements as part of their year-long efforts to help promote the Census.

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Money
Budget-Building Resources for a More Resilient Tomorrow

(StatePoint) Hispanic communities have been making vital contributions to the American cultural landscape and the national economy for decades.

The second largest ethnic or racial group in the U.S., Hispanics poured $2.6 trillion into the U.S. economy in 2018, have the purchasing power of approximately $1.7 trillion, and are the most likely among other minority groups to be entrepreneurs. However, with the ongoing pandemic, many are finding themselves struggling financially, lacking adequate access to healthcare, and worried about their children falling behind in school given the multitude of challenges presented by remote learning.

Despite these hardships, a recent Pew Research Center poll showed that nearly 50 percent of Hispanics expect the U.S. economy to improve a year from now, a strong indicator of the optimism and resiliency that this community embodies.

“Latinos represent an important component of the United States economy and population in today’s time of uncertainty,” says Eugenio M. Alonso, president and CEO, Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Puerto Rico Inc./Florida Consumer, a nonprofit that provides financial counseling services. “Now more than ever, ensuring their right to financial wellness and the American dream is essential.”

During tough economic times, having a budget and understanding how it should be managed is the key to gaining control of one’s finances, according to financial experts. Even for those who feel that their current financial situation doesn’t allow them to build a budget, having an understanding of budgeting basics can help when making everyday financial decisions.

“A budget can help people tighten spending, prioritize saving, and most importantly, help them focus on and achieve their long-term financial goals. Creating a budget may sound complicated, but with a little bit of guidance and organization, everyone can do it,” says Alonso.

To get started, here are some resources to help Hispanic families feel more empowered in their budgeting journey:

1. Video content: For practical tips on budgeting, view the short video, “A Minute about Money,” available at youtu.be/mUwDxb0mOTs.

2. Resource hub: Check out Hands on Banking, a free, non-commercial financial education program created by Wells Fargo to support the needs of communities. The site features a variety of resources on money management subjects such as building a rainy day fund, banking basics, establishing credit and more, and is available in English and Spanish at handsonbanking.org and elfuturoentusmanos.org.

3. Hands-on assistance: Those experiencing financial hardship and needing more guidance can seek help with a reputable nonprofit that offers financial counseling, like Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Puerto Rico Inc./Florida Consumer. To learn more, visit consumerpr.org.

As the nation moves forward, Hispanics will continue to fuel the country’s economic growth. It is vital that this deeply impacted community has the tools to succeed and recover.

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