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An Open Letter

To: Sen. Merkley, Sen. Wyden, Rep. Bynum

From: A constituent in Harrisburg, OR

July 10

WRITE Dear Esteemed Politician, I am writing to urge you to support and vote YES on the VISIBLE Act, introduced by Senators Cory Booker and Alex Padilla. This vital legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in federal data collection and reporting—especially as it relates to disaggregated demographic data across race, ethnicity, and other underrepresented communities. For far too long, broad racial and ethnic categories have masked the realities of diverse subgroups. This lack of visibility leads to policies that overlook the unique challenges faced by many communities—particularly Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Latino, and other multi-ethnic populations. The VISIBLE Act addresses this gap by requiring federal agencies to collect and publish more detailed and accurate demographic data. Why the VISIBLE Act matters: It empowers communities with the data they need to advocate for targeted resources and solutions. It ensures policymakers at every level have access to clearer, more precise information to make informed decisions. It promotes equity by highlighting disparities that are currently obscured by inadequate data. Data drives policy—and without inclusive, detailed data, millions of Americans remain unseen in government efforts to address health disparities, education gaps, housing inequities, and more. I strongly encourage you to stand on the side of equity, transparency, and evidence-based governance. Please vote YES on the VISIBLE Act and help ensure that all communities are truly seen and served. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to fair representation.

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