For the next decade, the census will determine the amount of federal funding New York gets for critical programs, such as food assistance to needy families, early childhood education for low-income children and maintenance for our bridges and roads, as well as our representation in Congress and our number of electoral college votes.

Unfortunately, our state leadership doesn't seem to grasp how critical an accurate count is to New York's future. Not only was the Complete Count Commission nine months late in delivering its recommendations, but its report does not address how money will be spent and distributed in our state. With the Census mere months away, New York cannot afford any further delays.