More Money and Political Clout for the States
You may ask yourself, “How can there be more money and political clout for the states, particularly at a time when most states are facing budget deficits? Recently, U.S. residents began receiving the 2010 Census questionnaire, a request made only every ten years. The more people who fill out and return the forms, the more accurate the population and other data and the more likely the states will get their fair share of federal funding. Not only are funding levels affected, but Census information affects the numbers of seats a state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives. And participation isn’t just important—it’s mandatory.
An accurate count comes but once every ten years. Changes in a number of states’ populations in the past decade emphasize the significance of capturing more accurate data. Bigger states are likely to continue to grow, however some states may not have witnessed the same level of growth since World War II, for example: California, Florida, and Texas. California and Florida were impacted by the housing bust. For the first time since statehood, in 1850, California is believed not to be positioned to gain Congressional seats.
The country is uniformly getting older; the Northeast, Midwest, Great Plains, and District of Columbia all experienced a decline in children. Even if immigration stopped today, racial and ethnic diversity over the course of the past decade has grown; the largest is that of the Hispanic population.
Often when speaking of the importance of the census, attention is drawn to the money. That’s because federal funding to the states is based on census data and more than $400 billion goes to states and communities every year, according to the Census Bureau. The funds directly impact the fundamental services upon which citizens depend, everything from better infrastructure to more services or at least sustenance of existing services for: hospitals; schools; job training centers; senior centers; emergency services; and bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects.
Since you are reading this column, one can assume you are political and civic minded, and wonder what you can do to help. In addition to completing your own Census questionnaire, encourage family, friends and neighbors to do the same. Stress the importance and responsibility. Assure them that private information is never published. It is against the law to disclose or publish: names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and telephone numbers. Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of all information and violating this law is a crime with severe penalties. In addition, other federal laws, including the Confidential Statistical Efficiency Act and the Privacy Act reinforce these protections.
Beginning, March 22nd visitors to the Census 2010 website can insert a city or zip code to track response. Completing the 2010 Census questionnaire is a simple way to exert your influence.
Janet Haebler, MSN, RN
Tags: 2010 Census, Congressional seats, March 2010
