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1,500 Census Jobs Open in Utica

By Jasmyn Belcher

Oswego, NY – The local census office in Utica is increasing its hiring and training of census workers to help with the upcoming survey.

About 1,500 U.S. Census jobs are still available in the Mohawk Valley. A total of 1,800 jobs will be filled in the seven county region including Herkimer, Oneida and Madison counties. Utica has a higher number of jobs based on its population make-up.

With that in mind, Kitty Cowan, the manager of the Utica census office, said that overall participation in the census is critical given the area's refugee populations.

"We have a large number of refugees in the area and that can put an additional strain on community funds. If the government recognizes that Utica has this need, they can funnel more money in to Utica. [This] will help the city and the communities deal with emerging immigrants in the area and to offset the cost that the community may be bearing," said Cowan.

According to the State Labor Department, for each person counted in the Mohawk Valley, the state receives about $1,500 in federal funds every year over the next ten years.

For every person not counted, the area will lose $15,000 in federal funds over the same period.