Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards joined leaders in Southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome, to kick off the work of the Louisiana Complete Count Committee to raise awareness about the 2020 U.S. Census. 

In December, Gov. Edwards signed an executive order creating the Louisiana Complete Count Committee (LCCC) to help create the 2020 Census Awareness Campaigns throughout Louisiana. The advisory panel is made up of community, government and business leaders who represent the diverse populations of communities across the state. Click here to read about the LCCC. 

“Every Louisianan should stand up and be counted in the 2020 Census. Your participation is vital because it will give us the best look at our population, which allows us to make decisions that best serve the people of our state, determine how we are represented in Congress and be in the best possible shape to receive our share of federal resources,” Gov. Edwards said. “I am grateful to the members of this committee and all of the leaders across the state who have stepped up in their communities to ensure that our census count is accurate. Their work will shape the future of Louisiana for the next decade to come and we all must play our part to make sure no Louisiana resident is unrepresented.” 

There are a total of 23 LCCC members of various religious, political and personal backgrounds. The composition of the committee is a direct reflection of the rich diversity that makes Louisiana such a great state.

"Forty-five percent of the population of New Orleans responded in 2010, which means we left close to $300 million dollars on the table," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "If we just get to 65 percent, I'm pushing for 100, but if we just get to 65 percent that will mean an additional $200 million dollars for the City of New Orleans. I see the census as an opportunity for New Orleans to get her fair share."

“I’m calling on every resident, faith leader, and elected official to consider themselves a messenger for the 2020 Census,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. "Please have conversations with your communities until every Louisiana resident is counted. Together we can educate and inspire residents to make sure every voice is heard in their household.”

The LCCC and the Governor will hold events highlighting the importance of the 2020 Census across the state in the coming months.