The Census is only taken every 10 years, yet every day decisions in DC and throughout the nation are based on the Census data to determine which communities, as well as schools, hospitals, and roads need federal funding. What's at stake is nearly $2.5 billion in federal funds that could potentially go to the District - that's why it's so important we all do our part. Here's a quick recap of how the information collected is used:
The federal government uses census numbers to allocate over $100 billion in federal funds annually for community programs and services, such as education programs, housing and community development, health-care services for the elderly, job training and many more.
Local and tribal governments use census information for planning and allocating funds for new school construction, libraries and other public buildings, highway safety, and public transportation systems, new roads and bridges, location of police and fire departments and many other projects.
Community organizations use census information to develop social service programs, community action projects, senior lunch programs and child-care centers.
Businesses use the numbers to decide where to locate factories, shopping centers, movie theaters, banks and offices -- activities that often lead to new jobs.
The U.S. Congress uses the census totals to determine how many seats your state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor of DC, clearly: states the importance to DC of returning the form
"The 2010 Census will touch so many aspects of the public over the next decade with the largest impacts on medical assistance and insurance, transportation funding, employment assistance, Section 8 housing, and education funding. It is critically important for the District of Columbia to have as complete and accurate a count as possible so that we can secure our share of the approximately $400 Billion in federal funding in order to provide the vital public services that our residents so greatly deserve." - (October 29, 2009).
Census questionnaires are sent to every address in the nation. The form this year has been substantially streamlined. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Forms are mailed in March. When you receive your form, simply answer the 10 short questions and mail the form back - a postage-paid envelope in provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who asks questions from the form. You can preview the form online also. Especially in this economy, it is even more important to participate to ensure our state has an accurate count of our population.
Rachel Valentino is a visible and highly respected real estate professional in the Washington DC area. She urges all area residents to participate by filling out and mailing back the census form in a timely manner. You can visit her website, The Atlantic Coast Connection to see the latest real estate offerings in the DC area.
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