Montgomery County Leaders Call on Federal Administration to Withdraw Proposed Rule Changes for the 2030 Census – Mocofeed

On Sept. 10, the U.S. Census Bureau published a proposed rule that would exclude non‑citizens who are not lawful permanent residents from the count and remove self‑reported race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation questions, among other changes.  

“Here in Montgomery County, we are committed to a complete, accurate and fair census count to ensure every resident is counted once, only once, and in the right place,” Council President Natali Fani-González said. “This unconstitutional proposal would exclude thousands of lawful residents, significantly impacting local and state planning, essential funding, and services that our more than 1 million residents rely on every day.” 

“It is outrageous that we have to fight to ensure everyone is counted. The Constitution calls for counting every person, not just those this administration chooses to count,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “These are our neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and family members. They are part of our community. Excluding people from the census does not change who lives here. It only means fewer resources to serve our residents for the next 10 years. Every family in Montgomery County, including immigrant families, will feel the consequences.” 

At a press conference on Tuesday, County leaders discussed the potential impacts on Montgomery County’s legally mandated services, funding allocations, and redistricting responsibilities, as well as the potential disenfranchisement of residents through future potential redistricting efforts. 

“Having an accurate count of the residents who live in MoCo is not just an interesting data point for researchers,” Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe said. “It is a data point that is used in allocated resources throughout the County, the state and the region. And should never be politicized.”

“The U.S. Census was created by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, for the sole purpose of counting the population every 10 years. The first U.S. Census was in 1790,” said Councilmember Shebra Evans. “Now, more than 200 years later, the current White House administration wants to change the rules to manipulate elections and undermine the will of the voters. These reckless decisions effect our families, schools and businesses and strip away basic freedoms provided for in the U.S. Constitution. Montgomery County is a place for all people, no matter their race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation: We will not let them be erased. We demand that the U.S. Census Bureau withdraw the proposed rule that would change who is counted in the 2030 Census and what it asks.” 

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“If you support the Constitution, if you believe in fair representation, and if you value the dignity and sanctity of every human being, you must stand up for a complete census count,” said Councilmember Andrew Friedson. “Make no mistake, this Census Bureau proposed rule is not merely an administrative action; it’s an aggressive attack on specific people and communities, including our neighbors and constituents in Montgomery County.” 

“Montgomery County is one of the most diverse places in America, and every resident deserves to be counted,” Councilmember Evan Glass said.

“Montgomery County demands the immediate withdrawal of these proposed Census changes, which are a dangerous backslide into our nation’s racist history of weaponizing the count to erase Black people,” said Councilmember Will Jawando. “The Fourteenth Amendment was ratified specifically to dismantle that legacy, establishing the constitutional mandate that we count the ‘whole number of persons in each State.’ We refuse to let this administration scrub our diverse communities from the record, and we will fight to ensure every resident receives their rightful resources and representation.” 

“It is absolutely wrong when someone does not want to count the people living in America,” Councilmember Sidney Katz said. “Knowing our population is essential in effectively serving our community. We need all the information.” 

“The Constitution should be read in its entirety: all persons should be counted,” Councilmember Dawn Luedtke said. “Nowhere in that governing document does the President get to decide who to exclude so that he can bully our residents and manipulate our democracy. I’m proud to stand with the Council, the County Executive and the County residents for a fair census count of each and every one of us.” 

“This U.S. Census Bureau proposed rule would erase identities and whole people for the purpose of withholding resources that are needed and paid for by all of our taxes,” said Councilmember Kristin Mink. “I just want to say to residents across District 5 and Montgomery County who are targeted by this proposed rule: you count, the Constitution clearly says that you count, and we’re going to fight to make sure this federal administration follows the Constitution.” 

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“Every person counts, and no one should have to prove their worth to be counted,” Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles said. “The Trump administration’s proposed Census changes would exclude immigrant neighbors from the apportionment count and weaken the data needed to address disparities. As Chair of Health and Human Services, I know that when residents are overlooked, their needs do not disappear. The Census Bureau must withdraw this proposal, protect a fair and accurate count, and safeguard communities’ fair representation and access to resources.” 

“Working toward a just and equitable community at a minimum relies on ensuring every resident is counted and that we have accurate information on race, ethnicity and sexual orientation,” Councilmember Kate Stewart said. “Erasing members of our community does a disservice to all, particularly members of historically marginalized communities.” 

The Council strongly opposes the proposed changes and reaffirms the U.S. Census Bureau’s longstanding standard to “count everyone, count them once and count them in the right place.” 

View the full resolution here. 

Watch the press conference.