Last Updated: March 10, 2010

April 1 is Census Day

Residents are reminded that that April 1 is Census Day and the short, 10-question forms you will receive by mail must be postmarked and mailed by the April 1 deadline. Residents who fail to respond can expect a call or visit from a census taker.
Assemblyman Charles Lavine said, “Every resident’s participation is not only required by law, it’s vital to our community’s future. The results of the national population tally decide the allocation of more than $400 billion in federal funds each year – money our community depends on for schools, hospitals, roadways, fire and police stations and more. Without doing your part by filling out the census forms, our infrastructure could suffer and critical funding for health care, day care and job training could dry up.
“What’s more, census data are used to determine government representation. An accurate headcount ensures that your needs and interests are on the radar of both Albany and Washington so that our community will get the aid and attention it deserves. And with the new, shorter questionnaires, participating couldn’t be easier. Ten minutes’ time promises 10 years of reward.”
Despite the myriad benefits, however, there remain those worried that their responses could be used against them. Apparently, the Census Bureau maintains the strictest of privacy policies. Federal law (Title 13, U.S. Code) prohibits the Census Bureau from sharing personal information with anyone, be it the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or any other government agency.

 

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