5-10 minutes can increase funding, representation

It’s quick and easy; there are only 10 questions. The U.S. Census form will be arriving in your mailbox if it hasn’t already arrived, and it takes only 5-10 minutes to complete.
 
What does the Census mean for Pinal County? Pinal’s population has more than doubled in the past decade, but the federal government still sees it as a place with maybe 180,000 people.  Federal aid, representation in Congress, reimbursement for disasters and crises — all of these things are linked to the census count. An accurate count means an increased share of federal resources.
 
In Maricopa each person counted represents $1,609 in potential federal funding for each of the next ten years. These are dollars that are used to support both city and county needs — public safety, public health, critical infrastructure, education, housing assistance, aid to people with disabilities or support services.
 
Representation in Washington is another huge issue that ties directly to the census. While many states such as California, Michigan, Illinois and New York have lost population, Arizona has continued to grow. States that lose population are likely to lose seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. After the census data starts rolling in, experts believe Arizona will certainly gain a seat in the House. 
 
What else does the Census affect?  It affects district boundaries for the board of supervisors, state legislature, school districts and much more.

Citizenship is not an issue for the 2010 census. All that matters is whether you are living in this country on April 1. If you receive more than one form, write “duplicate” on the second form and mail it back. The form asks for phone numbers so follow ups can be done on unclear answers. None of the personal information on the form can be turned over to any federal or law enforcement agency; it is completely confidential.

If you do not receive a 2010 Census form, they are available at the Maricopa Public Library, 41600 West Smith-Enke Rd. A census worker, Ellen Mangan, will be available there to answer questions about completing the form. The hours for census help, from March 19 through April 19, are:

Mondays from 3-8 p.m.
Wednesdays from 1-6 p.m.
Saturdays from 12-5 p.m

The 2010 Census means so much in terms of funding and representation for Maricopa, Pinal County and Arizona. Be counted. Fill out your census form today.

To learn more, go to www.2010census.gov or call 1-888-872-6868. Information in Spanish is available by calling 1-866-928-2010.

Photo courtesy of 2010 census