Stand Up and Be Counted, Say Supervisors
It's almost time for the census, and county supervisors want to make sure you take it seriously.
It's almost time for the census, and county supervisors want to make sure you take it seriously.
The 2010 U.S. Census is no laughing matter. Seriously.
It can be a matter of big bucks, says Supervisor Gloria Molina.
"It's our lifeblood in the county. This sets the federal formula of allocation of every single federal dollar that is attached to any kind of assistance, whether it be MediCal ... children's services ... education services ... every single community resource is (set by that formula),'' Molina said.
The census, which is aimed at counting every U.S. resident, is the basis for the distribution of about $400 billion in federal funding for hospitals, schools, senior centers, public works projects and emergency services, according to county staffers.
County staffers are working to increase local census participation, especially from immigrant communities. Molina wants to see a very coordinated public campaign to overcome some people's disinterest in and fear of the census.
The 2000 census reportedly undercounted an estimated 170,000 county residents and led to a loss of about $636 million in federal monies over 10 years.
Census forms -- comprised of 10 short questions -- will be mailed to every county residence in March. If forms are not returned, a census taker will visit to ask the same questions.
