New York, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus and Assembly sponsor of the New York Counts Act, joined New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and civic and community leaders at City Hall today to oppose proposed federal changes to the 2030 Census and call for action to protect a fair and accurate count.

The Trump administration’s proposed changes to the 2030 Census would alter how certain noncitizens are treated for congressional apportionment and eliminate key demographic questions from the Census. The proposals have prompted concerns about their impact on a full and accurate count, and on the quality of data used to guide public services and the distribution of resources.

“The Census must be conducted in a manner that ensures that every community in our state receives the representation and resource it deserves. These proposed federal changes threaten to undermine a complete count, especially in immigrant and historically undercounted communities. It is precisely because of the immense importance of the Census that I introduced the New York Counts Act, to establish permanent statewide infrastructure so that our state is always prepared for Census Day. I commend Speaker Menin and Attorney General James for beginning this work, and will not stop fighting until it is guaranteed that every New Yorker is counted,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages.

Solages is the Assembly sponsor of the New York Counts Act, legislation designed to establish permanent statewide infrastructure for Census preparation rather than relying on efforts assembled once every decade. The legislation would establish a permanent Office of Census Services and a statewide Census Counts Commission to coordinate planning, outreach, education, and efforts to improve participation in the decennial Census.

The legislation reflects the significant consequences that even a small undercount can have for New York. Following the 2020 Census, New York lost a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives by a margin of just 89 people.

At Thursday’s press conference, Attorney General James and Speaker Menin announced efforts to oppose the proposed federal changes and protect a complete count. The event also highlighted the importance of beginning preparations years ahead of Census Day and building trust with communities that have historically been difficult to count.

The New York Counts Act would complement Census preparedness efforts at the local level by creating permanent infrastructure to coordinate the state’s work across New York. Census data affects not only political representation, but also informs decisions by governments, schools, health care providers, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations about the populations they serve and where resources are needed.

Solages has emphasized that establishing this infrastructure well ahead of the 2030 Census will allow New York to strengthen community partnerships, improve public education and outreach, and ensure the state is prepared to achieve the most complete count possible.