Most of you have received your Census form; however, most of America hasn’t yet completed the form. In fact, according to the National Participation website, only 50% have participated.
If you haven’t yet filled out your form, I encourage you to fill out your form. Why?
- Political districts are based on Census data
- Businesses, large and small, use demographic data to market products
- Federal and state funding for infrastructure and services is often tied to Census information (to see a list of how population and income statistics are used in federal fund
distribution, see
uses of Population and Income Statistics in Federal Funds Distribution – With a Focus on Census Bureau Data) - Local community planners and leaders use Census data to decide where essential facilities, such as schools, hospitals, and fire stations, are most needed.
- Homebuyers use Census data to research
property
values, median income and other demographic information about a particular community or neighborhood - Lots of cool data for mash-ups on sites like data.gov comes from the Census Bureau [more on mash-ups and data sites coming soon in a future Minute for Government Information]
- It’s mandatory (section 221, title 13 of U.S. Code)
- Texas State University benefits from Census completion (see University Star story)
- Your favorite Alkek Library Government Information unit gets information that is either directly or indirectly from the Census Bureau
What should you do if you haven’t received a Census form?
Beginning April 12, 2010, you should call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at one of the numbers listed below to obtain a questionnaire. The phone lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week through July 30, 2010.
* English 1-866-872-6868
* Spanish 1-866-928-2010
* Chinese 1-866-935-2010
* Korean 1-866-955-2010
* Vietnamese 1-866-945-2010
* Russian 1-866-965-2010
* For the hearing-impaired, dial TDD 1-866-783-2010 (during the times noted above.)
You may also call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center if you have questions about completing a Census form.
Know someone who would like to get a job with the Census Bureau?
Check out this Census jobs website. Texas Census offices are shown on this map, with local offices in San Antonio and Austin. There was also a recent University Star story about Census jobs.
That’s enough for now…stay tuned for more exciting government information!
Tags: Census
