David Lombardo is reporting for the Times Union the special commission charged with getting the state ready for the 2020 Census has scheduled its first meeting for a date almost two months after the commission's final report was due. The New York State Complete Count Commission will convene six hearings around the state, beginning in March and concluding in May, according to a statement released Feb. 19, from the state Department of State. The 16-member commission was supposed to issue its final report on Jan. 10, but Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo did not appoint anyone to the panel until Jan. 18. Cuomo spokesman Jason Conwall said the state will launch a comprehensive campaign following the release of recommendations from the commission. Advocates want at least $40 million to prepare the state for the count next year. Rockefeller Institute of Government President Jim Malatras, the commission's co-chair, said they look forward to hearing more ideas on how to get everyone in New York counted. “Our Commission is committed to finding all New Yorkers and getting them to participate in this crucial part of our democracy,” he said. Read the full story in the Times Union.