Census Bureau still needs responses from 37 percent of Putnam County households

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Even in the era of social distancing, some things still have to happen face-to-face.

For U.S. residents who have not responded to the 2020 census, door-to-door visits are coming.

State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) reminded area residents of this fact Tuesday morning, noting that door-to-door visits have started in some areas around the country.

“It’s essential that every Hoosier household completes their census form,” Baird said. “Besides being required, billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated based on census information received from each state. Completing the form is simple and quick, and can have a huge impact on our area.”

Census forms were sent out in spring, with multiple notices and multiple ways to responded. These include filling out and mailing back the forms as well as calling 844-330-2020 or visiting 2020Census.gov.

Despite the simplicity of the process, 37 percent of Putnam County households have yet to respond. This number is more or less in line with the statewide figure, as nearly two-thirds of Hoosier households have responded. Indiana’s response rate is currently 10th in the nation.

Census takers will visit nonresponding households in West Central Indiana through Oct. 31 to ensure every resident is counted. Baird said about one-third of households in some west central Indiana counties still need to respond to the 2020 census, including Putnam, Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.

Among other counties in Baird’s district, the response rates are: Clay County, 35 percent; Morgan County, 30 percent; Owen County, 41 percent; and Parke County, 43 percent.

Census workers will wear masks and follow local public health guidelines when they visit households. All census takers complete a virtual COVID-19 training on social distancing, and other health and safety protocols before beginning their work in neighborhoods.

Everyone is required to fill out the census every 10 years by law, and the information is kept confidential. Baird emphasized that personal information cannot be used against respondents by any government agency or court.

According to Baird, billions of dollars in federal funding to support education, housing, health and public safety are on the line as this data impacts strategic planning decisions about statewide job training, locations of new businesses and public transportation projects.

Self-responses are due by Oct. 31.

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Mr. Baird... personal information isnt needed to fill out the census.

The census needs to know how many people reside in the household.

That's it.

Simply the number of people for the matter of apportioning Congressional seats between the states.

Everything else is part of the vast wealth redistribution system people like you and your father advocate and implement.

You might want to pick up a copy of the Constitution and give it a read.

I will give you credit for your politician-speak letting those who know how to read it understand where your priorities are:

"Baird emphasized that personal information cannot be used against respondents by any government agency or court."

In plain English - Illegal immigrants are encouraged to be counted so as to suck as much milk from the government teat as possible.

-- Posted by dreadpirateroberts on Wed, Jul 29, 2020, at 4:22 PM
Yawn

-- Posted by RSOTS on Thu, Jul 30, 2020, at 9:22 AM
RSOTS - LOL.

I am amused by the fact that you actually took the time to click on the article, possibly read it, and then comment "yawn" (without addressing it to the article or to my commentary).

If addressed to my commentary it does seem a little stalker-ish... should I be worried? Perhaps you should discuss this with your therapist.

But perhaps, in either case, its merely a testament to your civic virtue.

-- Posted by dreadpirateroberts on Thu, Jul 30, 2020, at 12:52 PM
It is important to be counted, so the GOVERNMENT might, just might allocate OUR money back to us.

Seems easier to keep our money and employ less goverment.

-- Posted by small town fan on Thu, Jul 30, 2020, at 5:24 PM
small town fan I like your thinking.

-- Posted by dreadpirateroberts on Thu, Jul 30, 2020, at 10:24 PM

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