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October 1999 Newsletter

 

2000 Census Coming Soon!!! Your response is needed

 

Beginning in March of next year every household within the United States will receive an advance letter, census questionnaire mail-out and a reminder card for non-respondents.

 

The last census was taken in 1990. The census is performed every ten years. The purpose is to accurately count the population and gather other statistical information. This data is then used for the next 10 years for various purposes. The population counts will be used to properly allocate federal and state funding, to realign representation in the Senate and House of Representatives, both on the federal and state levels. There are many misconceptions regarding the census.

 

One such misconception is that the census will be used for taxation assessment, personal identification or income verification. The census information under federal law is sealed from public use of inspection for a period of 75 years, no personal data such as name or social security number is requested.

 

Another misconception is that completion of the census will have no direct impact on me, so why bother. As noted above, the data collected will affect the allocation and distribution of monies. Some of these programs are distribution of highway planning and construction, community development block grant funding. National School Lunch program, the WIC program, federal mass transit funding, Head Start, Medicaid, prevention & treatment of substance abuse and food stamps.

 

Regardless of your position on these and other programs. Under reporting of population and census data will misdirect funding to other states and regions and prevent our local region from using it's share of dollars. In addition, the statistics are used for the next ten years with no adjustments until the next census in 2010.

 

The township and other municipalities have been working with the United States Census 2000 confirming dwelling unit addresses. No names or personal information have been requested, recorded or provided.

 

Each questionnaire will be bar coded for each address. The Census Agency has indicated that questionnaires not responded to will receive a personal visit from a federal enumerator.

 

Each household is encouraged to respond in a timely fashion and provide accurate information. Citizenship or residency is not a requirement and the questionnaire will be available in 49 different languages or dialects.

 

Questions regarding the PA. 2000 Census may be directed to 1-888-223-5837 or the United States Census in Philadelphia at 215-597-1139.