Happy Census Day!!
What is the Census?
The census counts everyone who lives in the United States and five U.S. territories, and provides critical data that lawmakers, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services and support for you. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.
Why is the Census conducted?
The census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. This year will mark the 24th time that the country has counted its population since 1790.
Three GREAT reasons to fill out your census form:
Help Your Community Thrive. Does your neighborhood have a lot of traffic congestion, elderly people living alone or overcrowded schools? Census numbers can help your community work out public improvement strategies.
Make Government Work for You. It’s a good way to tell our leaders who we are and what we need. The numbers are used to help determine the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars in federal and state funds. We’re talking hospitals, highways, stadiums and school lunch programs.
Get Help in Times of Need. Many 911 emergency systems are based on maps developed for the last census. Census information helps health providers predict the spread of disease through communities with children or elderly people. When floods, tornadoes or earthquakes hit, the census tells rescuers how many people will need their help.
How to fill out your Census response:
For the first time, you can choose to complete the census online, by phone, or by mail. Find out more about each of these methods below:
There are many different uses for Census information, including:
■ Reapportionment of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives
■ Drawing federal, state and local legislative districts
■ Drawing school district boundaries
■ Budget planning for government at all levels
■ The distribution of over $100 billion in federal funds and even more in state funds
■ Spotting trends in the economic well-being of nation
■ Forecasting future transportation needs for all segments of the population
■ Planning for public transportation services
■ Planning for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and the location of other health services
■ Planning health and educational services for people with disabilities
■ Forecasting future housing needs for all segments of the population
■ Establishing fair market rents and enforcing fair lending practices
■ Directing funds for services for people in poverty
■ Directing services to children and adults with limited English language proficiency
■ Designing public safety strategies
■ Urban planning
■ Rural development
■ Land use planning
■ Analyzing local trends
■ Understanding labor supply
■ Estimating the numbers of people displaced by natural disasters
■ Assessing the potential for spread of communicable diseases
■ Developing assistance programs for low-income families
■ Analyzing military potential
■ Creating maps to speed emergency services to households in need of assistance
■ Making business decisions
■ Delivering goods and services to local markets
■ Understanding consumer needs
■ Designing facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly or children
■ Planning for congregations
■ Product planning
■ Locating factory sites and distribution centers
■ Investment planning and evaluation of financial risk
■ Setting community goals
■ Publication of economic and statistical reports about the United States and its people
■ Standard for creating both public- and private-sector surveys
■ Scientific research
■ Comparing progress between different geographic areas
■ Developing “intelligent” maps for government and business
■ Genealogical research (after 2072)
■ Proof of age, relationship or residence (certificates provided by the Census Bureau)
■ School projects
■ Medical research
■ Developing adult education programs
■ Media planning and research, back up for news stories
■ Historical research
■ Evidence in litigation involving land use, voting rights and equal opportunity
■ Determining areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans
■ Attracting new businesses to state and local areas
This information is sourced from https://2020census.gov