June 15, 2009

EQCA Appointed to Governor’s California Complete Count Committee to Help Ensure Complete 2010 Census Count

San Francisco – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today appointed Equality California (EQCA) to the California Complete Count Committee. EQCA was one of a number of organizations selected to represent the state’s diverse population on the committee, which is tasked with ensuring California carries out a fair and accurate count as part of the 2010 census.

Cary Davidson, EQCA Board President, will represent the organization on the committee where he will work to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons and families participate in the census and are counted accurately, helping to ensure accurate representation in and support from the state and federal government over the next ten years. Under current federal guidelines, sexual orientation and gender identity will not be asked as part of the 2010 census, making Davidson’s work with the committee all the more vital.

"I’m honored to do my part to ensure LGBT Californians are counted fairly and accurately,” Davidson said upon his appointment. “I am proud to share this honor with EQCA, which has earned its place on this important committee. LGBT Californians, like all Californians, deserve to be counted.”

Members of the LGBT community representing other organizations on the committee include Rabbi Denise Eger of Congregation Kol Ami and David Sanchez, president of the California Teachers Association. In addition to the organizations, a number of political leaders were also appointed to the committee.

According to the Governor’s office, members will offer their expertise and insights to develop a robust outreach strategy that leverages and capitalizes on existing outreach and community touch points, all in an effort to avoid an undercount and the possible loss of a congressional seat.