Census 2010: 10 questions, 10 minutes, help you, your family and community
By Congressman John Olver
Beginning in March 2010, more than 130 million households across the nation will receive a census questionnaire. Required once every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution, the census will count every person living in the United States. This includes citizens, non-citizens, immigrants, college students, seniors, homeless, children, and friends and families living in the same household.
Participating in the 2010 Census is easy, safe, and important. In fact, this year’s form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons can call the TDD number, 1-866-783-2010. Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) will assist those unable to read or understand the census form, and Language Assistance Guides, available at all QAC locations, will be in large type, Braille, and in 59 languages.
The census is important because it not only determines the Congressional representation given to each state, but also the amount of federal funding distributed to each state. Every year, the federal government allocates more than $400 billion to state and local governments based on census data. Census information can benefit you, your family, and your community by helping to determine the distribution of federal funds for community services like school lunch programs, senior centers, schools, hospitals and highways.
Accurate representation is especially important to seniors and retirees because census data is used to help guide local planning decisions for government, community, and social service programs.
Without a complete count, vital community services such as health care, transportation, and other assistance programs may not reach communities in need.
This data literally shapes our communities. By participating in the census, you can help create a better future for you and those important to you. To learn more, visit www.2010census.gov.
U.S. Congressman John W. Olver represents the First District in Massachusetts. To contact him, call 442-0946 or visit his website www.olver.house.gov.
