Happy National Census Day! 2010 Census forms began making appearances in mailboxes around the country a few weeks ago, and so far the Census Bureau has reported an approximate 54 percent national participation rate.
A count of the nation's residents has occurred every ten years since 1790, as is required by the U.S. Constitution. The results are used to apportion representation in Federal, State and local legislative bodies. Over the years , Congress started using census results to distribute federal dollars to states through direct funding and grants to state governments.
Why you should want to participate in the 2010 Census
Undercounts in past census years have cost states and local communities billions of dollars--including over $4.1 Billion lost in the 2000 Census undercount. It is in people's best interest to be counted because the US Census is how our country makes decisions about allocation of resources and local representation, regardless of race or immigration status.
This year, a full count is more important than ever. State and local budgets are cut to the bone. Every day, communities are losing vital services while the need is getting greater. Without an accurate count, cash-strapped states, counties and cities could face severe cuts to education, transportation, medical and other vital social services. Communities will be left behind and not receive the resources they need to prosper.
Public service workers are seeing their workloads increase and their paychecks get smaller. They are asked to do more with less, and a lot of them are losing their jobs altogether.
With an even bigger budget crisis looming, cities and states are calling on their residents to fully participate in this year's census. We cannot afford to lose more revenue. So remember: the single most important thing you can do for your community right now is participate in the census.
Helpful Resources Online:
» If you didn't receive a form, visit the U.S. Census Bureau.
» Ya Es Hora has created resources to make sure everyone can participate in this year's census.
» From the National Leadership Conference: How to fill out a census form.
» From CNN, common Q&A's that tell you what you need to know about the 2010 Census.
» An online tool from Color of Change provides a creative and interesting way to estimate how much a community stands to lose in funding if census forms are not returned.
