Attorney General James Statement On U.S. Supreme Court Decision On Decennial Census

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, in Department of Commerce v. New York: 

“Every single person in this country deserves to be counted, plain and simple. We are pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision today.

“This one question could have caused a substantial undercount, particularly of noncitizens and Latinos. Thanks to the Court, the census will remain a tool for delivering on our government’s promise of fairness and equity, and states, like New York, will not be shortchanged out of critical resources or political representation. Our democracy withstood this challenge, but make no mistake, many threats continue to lie ahead from the Trump Administration and we will not stop fighting. Now, more than ever, the marginalized, the disenfranchised, and everyday people need us to stand firm in our fight for justice. After all, everyone counts, and therefore, everyone must be counted.

“I am grateful to the talented professionals in the New York State Attorney General’s Office who worked tirelessly on this case, especially New York Solicitor General Barbara Underwood. I also want to thank our many government and public interest partners for their support and collaboration.”