Answers to Questions About the 2020 Census
During this time of the coronavirus crisis stay-at-home, parents have the perfect opportunity for a civics lesson for your children as you fill out the mandated Census form. Poverty statistics are pulled from the census data and have a huge impact on national food programs like the Free and Reduced Lunch and Breakfast programs which many of our participating families in the Weekend Survival Kits program count on for their family’s health and well-being.
Why is the 2020 Census so important?
The 2020 Census is a place-based (specific address) count of individuals of all ages and ethnicity which occurs just once every 10 years. There is nothing to fear about answering the brief census questions/survey. Your individual information is kept safe and confidential. The numbers are for statistical purposes. If you live in the United States, it is the law that you must answer the Census questions.
Do I have to be a citizen of the United States?
No, you do not have to be a citizen. Regardless of your citizenship status you should definitely answer the census questions. By participating in the 2020 Census count you will be helping your state and local government. How? Because federal appropriation amounts on supports for everything from food supports to infrastructure expenses like road improvements, goes back to states and communities based on the number of individuals counted.
Plus, your voice will be heard in Washington DC through your political representatives, the numbers of which, are based in part, on the total number of people in a particular district or region. A loss in census data for your region may mean a loss of representation and advocacy, which will not be able to be re-gained until the next census 10 years from now.
Is it hard to fill out the 2020 Census form?
It is quick and easy. You may have received a mailing or two in the recent past to your home. This would be the perfect time to grab that envelope, open it up and fill out the form. It basically wants to know who will be living in your home on or after April 1, 2020. You can also fill out the form online, which will save time and money for the census takers. In your mailing there is a code which is specific to your address. You will need that code to answer the census questions online.
Before you fill out the Census Form, you can go to 2020census.gov for an overview of the benefits of the census, and a look at the actual form. There is also a simple site with frequently asked questions about the census.
Note: April 1st is the national census day but the count will continue into June 2020, and perhaps later. You can help by filling your Census form out online.