BROOKLYN - Rep. Towns today urged fellow residents of the tenth congressional district, and all New Yorkers, to complete their 2010 Census forms.  The forms are mailed to all homes across the country throughout the month of March 2010.

The results of the Census will determine how more than $445 billion in federal aid is distributed to state, local and tribal governments over the next decade. It also affects apportionment of Congressional seats and representation in the Electoral College.

“Our community cannot afford to lose out on crucial federal funds and programs,” said Rep. Towns. “In order to get our fair share of funding for our community, everyone must be counted. Our schools, libraries, community centers and many other important programs rely on accurate Census results.”

In his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rep. Towns leads the main congressional committee charged with oversight of the census and he is committed to ensuring an fair and accurate count.

The 2000 Census had a 67 percent national response rate, with an estimated undercount of more than 3 million people. According to a recent PriceWaterhouseCoopers report, areas most affected by Census undercounting lose about $2,913 per uncounted person in federal funding.

“Our district had one of the top undercounts in the country for the past two censuses.    This year, I hope my district residents will join me in reversing this trend by filling out their Census form and mailing it back promptly,” said Rep. Towns. “It is the best way to help our community, our schools and our children.”

As with other public efforts, New York residents should be wary of fake Census scams that attempt to collect personal information. The Census Bureau has received complaints about deceptive mailings that include envelops marked “Census” and include a “census tracking code.” Official Census Bureau documents will never ask for full social security number, money or a donation, PIN codes, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.

The 2010 Census, which is conducted every ten years, is the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of only ten questions. The questions ask for information about the number of people living at a home and some demographic information about them. Responses should reflect accurate information as of April 1, 2010 (Census Day).

For additional information about the Census, please call Rep. Towns’ district office at (718) 855-8018 or visit http://2010.census.gov.

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