Ladies and Gentlemen and children of all ages, the Census is coming!  Yep, it is time to stand up and get counted…and that is a Constitutional order! 

Now before anyone thinks this, I have heard the arguments that some have stated that they don’t want “Big Brother” knowing any of their personal information… but really…I mean….really, come on…are you serious?  I have seen more personal information on people’s personal Web sites than is being asked by the government during the census.  So before you even begin to question whether or not you should fill out the questionnaire….

Here are my top 10 reasons why you should!

1. This is about money and power! To quote Gabriel Sanchez, Regional Director of the 2010 Census,  “If you’re interested in either of those two things, then you should be interested in the Census. The count determines Congressional redistricting and more than $400 billion annually in federal funds for such programs as schools, hospitals, roads, senior centers, Head Start and libraries.” So people, over 10 years, that is 4 Trillion (with a capitol “T” people) dollars we are talking about. Come on Show Me The Money!
2. The numbers of people counted by the Census translate into federal funding for roads. So when you hit those potholes or are stuck in traffic, instead of picking a finger to point up in the air, use that finger to grab a pencil and fill out the census. That is how you affect change!
3. Do you have a child in school? A baby born today will be 10 years old by the time the next Census is taken. Without an accurate count; the government doesn’t know how to plan funding for that child’s education.
4. Ever wish a highway was four lanes instead of two? Or have you ever wished that there was a bridge in a specific location allowing easier access to a highway? Yep, the Census affects that funding as well.
5. Hospitals use this information to determine a community’s specific medical needs. If there is a large ageing population in a specific location, then they would know that senior care is something they might want to focus on. Or, if there is a larger children population, that might determine a better place for a children’s hospital. Face it; this is all about taking care of your needs!
6. Remember in your old Civics class how the Congress is made up of four hundred and thirty five Representatives and one hundred Senators. Well, although each state gets two U. S. Senators, the four hundred and thirty five House of Representatives are divided by population. In other words, just because one state gets a certain number of representatives after one Census, doesn’t mean they keep all those after the next one. In fact, there is a rumor that after this Census, Texas could gain as many as five new U.S. Representatives. Hey, who wants to run for office?
7. The results from the 2010 Census are also used by companies all over the world to determine demographics for things such as where to put their next grocery store or fast food restaurant. Think about it, your form could get you a Starbucks closer to your home!
8. It is mandatory. Yep, the First Census act was passed at the second session of the First Congress, and then signed by President Washington on March 1, 1790. Article 1, Section 2, U.S. Constitution states “The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.” Congress first met in 1789 and in 1790, the first national census was taken. They followed the law and so we have to as well. Talk about being a part of history!
9. Your information is kept strictly confidential. Even if the President of the United States asked for specific information, other than the general compiled data, he could not find it out. Did you know that all census workers sign a confidential contract that binds them to keep their mouths completely shut about any and all information they see. If they even chirp just a peep, they are subject to a fine up to $250,000 and/or five years in jail. Also, none of the specific information is shared with any other government or non-government agency. In other words, if you maybe had a few extra people living in an apartment than you were supposed to, you could put that down because Mr. Landlord is never going to find out. However, you might just get a new hospital or better roads if you tell the whole truth. Talk about a win-win situation!
10. And the 10^th reason you want to fill out the census….if you don’t they will come knocking on your door and interrupt your favorite TV program to ask you the same questions that are on the form you will receive in the mail. Come on, who wants to be interrupted during Dancing with the Stars? Not me!

The Census questionnaire will be mailed out this March, so look for it and fill it out.  Your community’s future is up to you!

Due to the fact that there are rural communities and individuals who may not be able to receive the form, alng several other reasons, there are Census workers who go door to door to help those that need assistance or cannot receive a form by U.S. Mail.  How would you like to be one of those individuals?  Are you interested in a part-time job?  Do you still have Christmas charges that need paying off?  Are you a high school senior that needs a few extra bucks?  Lots of local part-time and full-time jobs are available with the U. S. Census Bureau.  All you have to do is pass a simple skills test and background check and are hired to work locally.  Just call 1-866-861-2010 or visit their website at 2010censusjobs.gov for more information.