Rep. Clayton said, “As a result of the devastation caused by Hurricane Floyd, many residents of eastern North Carolina have been displaced from their homes.  As we work to rebuild our communities, we must ensure that those persons temporarily displaced are informed about how to participate in the Census.  Everyone must count.”  Rep. Jones said, “We must try to get an accurate Census count in order to get the federal benefits that we are entitled to receive based on the population of our state.”

Census data are used every 10 years to determine the number of seats each state will have in Congress and how the boundaries of each Congressional District are drawn, and how more than $100 billion in federal funds are awarded to local government agencies.  Many businesses also use this information to make investment or marketing decisions.

The Conference workshops are free and open to the public; the luncheon will require a nominal fee.  For more information and to register for the Conference, call the office of Rep. Clayton (800-274-8672) or Rep. Jones (800-351-1697).

Rep. Clayton represents in Congress the First District of North Carolina which consists of 20 mostly rural counties in eastern and north central North Carolina.  She serves on the Agriculture and Budget Committees.  She also Co-Chairs the Congressional Rural Caucus.  Rep. Jones represents in Congress the Third District of North Carolina which consists of 18 mostly rural counties in eastern North Carolina.  He serves on the Banking and Financial Services, Armed Services, and Resources Committees.