Congressmen Gonzalez and Vela Release PSA on the 2020 Census

MCALLEN, Texas –Today, Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) and Filemon Vela (TX-34) teamed-up in an effort to increase Census participation in South Texas. The Congressmen urged South Texans to complete the once-a-decade Census through a public service announcement (PSA). Both Gonzalez and Vela encourage TV stations in the South Texas region to run the PSA.

While the national response to the 2020 Census is nearly 61 percent, the majority of counties in South Texas are at 40 percent or less. An accurate count of the Rio Grande Valley is integral in ensuring South Texas receives the necessary funding to support hospitals, schools and the building of our roads and bridges.

You can complete your census online at 2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020 for English, or 844-468-2020 for Spanish.

Congressmen Gonzalez and Vela are encouraging media outlets to share the video on their social channels and on-the-air. To download the recording in English, click here. For Spanish, click here.

Below, please see the English and Spanish transcripts of their remarks as delivered.

English Transcript:

Rep. Gonzalez: I'm Congressman Vicente Gonzalez.

Rep. Vela: I'm Filemon Vela.

Rep. Gonzalez: Despite ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the once-a-decade Census is still taking place.

Rep. Vela: An accurate count of the 2020 Census will ensure that billions in federal dollars reach South Texas.

Rep. Gonzalez: We need you to participate.  

Rep. Vela: This count will determine funding for schools, hospitals, libraries and other public services.  We need your help, now more than ever, to make sure that our community is counted.  

Rep. Gonzalez: Complete your Census by October 31 either by mail, phone or online at 2020Census.gov. 

Spanish Transcript:

Rep. Gonzalez: A pesar de la continuación de la pandemia del Coronavirus, el Censo que ocurre una ves cada década todavía se llevará a cabo.

Rep. Vela: Un recuento exacto del Censo 2020 asegurará financiamiento de miles de millones de dólares para el Sur de Texas.

Rep. Gonzalez: El censo es seguro y confidencial.

Rep. Vela: Necesitamos su ayuda ahora más que nunca, para asegurar que nuestra comunidad cuente.

Rep. Gonzalez: Por favor complete el Censo para el 31 de octubre, ya sea por internet o por teléfono.

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