Census 2010 -- Time to Be Counted!

Did you know that not participating in the decennial census -- Census 2010 -- could hurt our community?

Federal dollars are distributed based on the population count for services like education, transportation, health care and job training.

Participating in the Census is one of the most powerful ways of having a voice in the United States.

Were you aware that political districts are determined based on population (in fact, Massachusetts lost 2 seats in Boston after the last Census)? Were you aware that the number of Electoral College votes is based on how many people live in a state? The numbers give political representation to those who are counted.

Those are some of the reasons that we must all complete our U.S. Census forms. Ten minutes. Ten questions. This is the shortest form in history, asking name, gender, age and date of birth, race, household relationship, if your home is owned or rented. It does not ask for bank account information, salary and income, citizenship or immigration status. It does not ask for your Social Security Number. It asks much less than a credit card application!

The U.S. Constitution requires that everyone be counted -- citizens and non-citizens. Every 10 years since 1790, the Government has worked hard to make sure every person is counted. All Census information is confidential and protected by law. Your information is safe.

I urge everyone to make sure that all individuals are counted. Remember, our tax dollars should be used for us. But without the right numbers, those dollars may not come back to educate our children, provide public safety, and maintain our infrastructure, among other things.

The forms will be arriving soon. Watch for yours. Census 2010 will paint a "Portrait of America." Please be counted!