January 15, 2010

Stand Up and Be Counted

Every ten years, our Nation embarks on a count of the population as required by Article I of the U.S. Constitution.  Theoretically, the mandate to count everyone who lives in the U.S. only once and in the correct place is a simple one.  In practical terms, however, it has become an increasingly complicated and expensive endeavor.  Our ever-evolving society, which is now so much more mobile and advanced than it was when our Constitution was conceived, has presented a greater challenge than ever.

Federal law mandates participation in the U.S. Census, but federal law also strictly protects the confidentiality of the information you provide.  Your personal information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, and phone numbers can never be published or disclosed, and harsh penalties, including jail time and stiff fines, may be imposed on anyone who does not honor that confidentiality.  By participating in the U.S. Census, you help provide the most accurate information to best reflect the changes in our community, and an accurate count depends on the full cooperation and trust of everyone.

The main purpose of the census is to determine the apportionment of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.  State legislatures are charged with re-drawing the lines of congressional districts, but it does so based on the population changes of those geographical areas.  The information you provide is only used to produce statistical data, but importantly, that data can also be used in formulas that determine how $400 billion of federal and state funding is spent.  That is a whopping $4 trillion over a 10-year period for things such as roads, schools, senior centers, job training centers, emergency and other important services. 

This year, the U.S. Census Bureau has made some changes and created a Short Form which all households in the United States will receive in the next couple of months.  There are only 10 short questions which need to be answered and mailed back in the postage-paid envelope which will be provided.   Census workers will then begin the arduous task of conducting follow-ups for those households who have not responded.   It is an expensive and time-consuming proposition, but you can help us save taxpayers’ money and avoid a possible visit from a census worker simply by returning promptly your Short Form.

Finally, there will be more than 2,000 temporary jobs available right here in Southeastern North Carolina to help carry out this directive, and I encourage anyone who is interested to apply.  You may visit www.census.gov/2010censusjobs or call toll free to 1-866-861-2010 for more information.  You may also apply directly with the Local Census Offices in Wilmington (covering Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Robeson, and Pender Counties) at 910-442-4600 or the Local Census Office in Fayetteville (covering Cumberland, Duplin and Sampson Counties). 

As the U.S. Census Bureau moves forward with fulfilling its Constitutional challenge, let us all stand up and be counted so that every voice is heard in Southeastern North Carolina.