In the U.S., we count. It’s part of the guiding principles our Founding Fathers laid out. In a political sense, we see it as “one person, one vote.” In another sense, the U.S. Census 2020 takes us into account. Quite literally. But with added benefit for our state and local communities. Here’s why it matters that we participate.
The census monitors changes in our community.
When you register yourself and your household in the U.S. Census 2020, your contribution extends well beyond your four walls. Our participation translates to community data, which lends researchers and data scientists a fuller community picture.
It helps divvy out federal funds.
Our participation has an impact—in true dollars and cents figures. When the census counts us, we give our state access to federal funds. In fact, Alabama will receive $1,567 per year for 10 years for every person counted.
Participation leads to assistance.
As mentioned, participation figures in to funding. More than $675 billion dollars in federal funds are to be distributed to help support state and local services. This includes education, community assistance, infrastructure, health care, and more.
It gives us a voice in Congress.
We all want our voices heard. The U.S. Census 2020 helps us to be heard, even in the highest echelons of government. As of now, Alabama could be slated to lose a Congressional seat in the House of Representatives. Participation helps ensure that we maintain our representation on the federal level.
To some extent, it drives our future.
Along the same vein as assistance, participation in the U.S. Census 2020 allocates funding that can have a direct effect on our future. Funding for services such as housing, food, broadband access, public safety and policy, health care, and education are all wrapped up in census numbers. State, county, and city programs benefit from our participation.
Due to COVID-19, self-response participation has been extended until Aug. 14.
Summary
Skipping out on the U.S. Census 2020 helps no one, including ourselves. It’s important to participate and play our important roles in helping serve the community.
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