2010 Census: We Can’t Move Forward Until You Mail It Back!
Guest Blog post by Erik Rejino, Director fo Administration services - http://Twitter.com/LevellandCD
By now you have probably heard about the 2010 Census whether it was through the national media campaign or local media sources. The City of Levelland along with several other organizations in Hockley County have been working with the U.S. Census Bureau on creating an awareness campaign for the upcoming 2010 Census in order to obtain a better response rate on the Census questionnaire. Despite these efforts many people may not know the true purpose and importance of the upcoming Census.
The Census is simply a count of everyone residing in the United States which is required by the U.S. Constitution. This has been done every ten years since the year 1790. All children, babies, and adults who live in a household should be counted, regardless of nationality, citizenship status, race, age, or gender. $400 billion per year in federal funding is expected to take place over the next 10 years, some of which is tied directly to Census data. Over the last ten years, Hockley County has received over $1 billion dollars in federal funds, some of which was tied directly to Census data. These funds include things such as food stamps, title one and head start grants, USDA direct payments, road and community improvements, public health services and hospitals, and senior services. Despite the various benefits that come from filling out the Census Questionnaire, only 60 percent of Hockley County residents and 63 percent of Levelland residents filled out the Census questionnaire in 2000 and returned it.
There are several theories as to why there was such a low response rate, not only in our community, but nationwide:
-Length: The questionnaire in 2000 was too long (30 questions).
-Privacy: People are reluctant to give the government personal information.
-Confidentiality: Some people worry that the information they provide could be used against them.
-Immigration and citizenship concerns: People may not want to draw attention to themselves.
Even though these are logical concerns, all of the above issues have been addressed by the U.S. Census Bureau. The 2010 Census questionnaire has been shortened to 10 questions which will only take 10 minutes to fill out. Households will simply be asked to provide demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages and races of others living in the household. This is the shortest questionnaire in decades. Also, Census information is completely confidential. Census information is never shared with other governmental agencies such as the IRS, FBI, or any immigration office. Sharing Census data is a federal offense punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
Another issue to consider is an issue that we face here in West Texas. For several years now, there have been talks about West Texas losing State and Federal representation if Census numbers do not come in strong. There are several other issues that West Texas faces and we need to have the loudest voice possible when it comes to State and Federal governments. We cannot afford not to count anyone in West Texas if we are to keep the representation we have now.
The Census questionnaire will be mailed out beginning March 15 and is due back early April. If the questionnaire is not mailed back by early April Census workers will go to your door and take the survey by hand. They will go back as many as 4-6 times to each household to attempt to fill out the survey face to face. For every one percent that the U.S. Census Bureau wants to increase the response rate nation-wide, it costs approximately $80-$90 million. Assume that only 65 percent of households respond to the 2010 Census and the Census Bureau wanted at least a 70 percent response rate. It would cost $400-$450 million to accomplish that. Due to the high cost, it is very important that every household respond the first time so that this expense is limited.
I understand that with many of you I am preaching to the choir. Some of you have always filled out your Census and will continue to do so. I encourage those of you that are in this situation to step up in our community. Find someone you know who is concerned about the Census and let them know it is safe, confidential, and important. Help them fill the form out if necessary. Only by holding each other accountable can we be successful in this effort. The 2010 Census will determine how loud of a voice we will have at the state and federal government levels, and it will determine the amount of money our community will receive over the next ten years. Let's make sure everyone gets counted in Levelland, Hockley County, and West Texas. We can't afford not to!