Spring is almost here. Before long the crabs will swim up the Bay again. But this year, there’s another important sign of spring. That’s the 2010 Census form in your mailbox.
The formula for success on the Census is simple: 10:10:10. It’s 10 questions, which take 10 minutes to fill out, and which will determine for 10 years whether or not Maryland gets its fair share of federal funds. You don’t have to worry that your answers will be used for any other purpose than to compile an accurate count. That’s the law.
Our Constitution requires that every 10 years, we all be counted. The outcome of the Census determines everything from how many seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives to how much federal money each state receives to create jobs, help with health care costs, build roads and so many other vital things. It’s a critically important effort – we each need to do our part to ensure that all Marylanders are counted, because all Marylanders count.
We’ve done a census every 10 years since 1790. Why is this important?
Information from the 2000 Census has been used to determine how federal funding is awarded during the last last 10 years. Just look at what that meant for Maryland in 2009: $629 million for highway planning and construction; $420 million for housing vouchers; $300 million for unemployment insurance; $191 million for local educational agencies; and $199 million for special education grants. If we want Maryland to get its fair share for the next 10 years, everyone needs to fill out that census form.
The Census forms will be mailed beginning this week. If you live in a rural area, someone may deliver it by hand to your household. You have about two weeks to return the completed census form. Households that don’t respond by April 1st will receive a follow up letter and a personal visit from a Census worker.
Remember, it takes 10 minutes to fill out 10 questions for 10 years’ worth of federal dollars. So be sure to fill out your form so Maryland gets its fair share. For more information about the upcoming count, or to find out about temporary employment as a Census worker, go to www. 2010.Census.Gov.