WASHINGTON–Congressman Brad Sherman today detailed his continuing efforts to persuade the US Census Bureau to advertise in Armenian language newspapers. The Census Bureau is advertising nationwide in over a dozen languages–including Spanish–Polish–Russian–Korean and Filipino–but has no current plans to advertise in Armenian. Joining Sherman in his efforts to make sure the Armenian community is fully counted by the US Census was State Senator Adam Schiff (D-Burbank).
During the last week–Sherman has met with the Director of the Census–Dr. Kenneth Prewitt–and talked to him several times by telephone. Sherman has also discussed the matter by telephone with William Daley–Secretary of the US Department of Commerce–which oversees the Census. Sherman also gave a speech on the subject to all of the Democratic Members of Congress–who met earlier this week.
State Senator Schiff has also communicated with Census Director Prewitt. Senator Schiff stated "If the Glendale and San Fernando Valley areas are to get the federal funds they are entitled to–everyone needs to be counted. I am glad that the Census Bureau is reaching out in the Spanish language–but it is also important that in our area they reach out in the Armenian language."
Sherman continued–"As a result of my efforts–and those of Senator Schiff–I believe that the US Census will increase its outreach to the Armenian-American community in the San Fernando Valley and the Glendale/Burbank/Pasadena area. The Census should advertise in order to encourage everyone to complete their census form. Furthermore–the Census Bureau will let people know that comprehensive instructions are available in the Armenian language–allowing those who are not comfortable in English to complete their Census form. At a minimum–the Census Bureau should place advertising to recruit employees who are bilingual in English and Armenian. While no final decision has been made–I am confident that we will see some positive movement in these directions."
"Time is short–with the census count taking place in April and May–but I am determined to see that our region and our communities get our fair share of resources so that we benefit from the process of the census and the results," said Sherman. "I intend to follow up strongly on this issue with the Census Bureau to get as many resources as we can in our region."
"To that end–I also want to inform people in the Armenian community of job opportunities with the census," said Sherman. The Census Bureau is currently looking for thousands of people to work full of part-time during March–April and May. Jobs pay approximately $14 an hour and involve going to people’s homes to help them fill out their census forms. Bilingual employees are especially welcome. If you want more information call the Census Bureau at (888) 325-7733. You will be connected to the closest Census office.