Census Day is Thursday

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- With Census Day just a day away, the Census Bureau has reported a positive response in the state. Indiana's participation rate, as of Monday, was 40 percent, compared to the national average of 34 percent.

However, the Census Bureau shows Putnam County with a 39 percent participation rate for the 2010 census. When compared with other counties its size, Putnam has a slightly lower participation rate.

"This census information is important for economic development and services we need in the area," said Mayor Sue Murray. "An accurate count makes a difference and helps us bring new business and programs."

Governor Mitch Daniels has been urging Hoosiers to fill out the 2010 Census form, which is the shortest in U.S. history, with only 10 questions. The collected data directly affects how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is allocated to communities for neighborhood improvements, public health, education and transportation.

"Although each program's funding formula is complex and in most cases unique, a rough calculation estimates that each person is worth about $1,500 in federal funds," stated the US Census Web site.

In 2000, the US Census Monitoring Board estimated there was an undercount of the actual US population by more than 3 million individuals. An estimated 47,183 people were not counted in Indiana's population, an undercount rate of .77 percent.

Due to being undercounted, it was estimated Marion County lost $13 million in federal funding between 2002 and 2012. That amount was shifted to better counted areas of the state.

Of course, federal funding is just part of the Census picture.

"The United States Constitution requires a count of all our residents to be taken at the beginning of every new decade," said Daniels in a statement. "As Indiana continues to grow, it is crucial that each Hoosier is counted."

Not only will an accurate Census count help Indiana receive necessary funding, but will ensure Hoosiers have accurate representation in Congress. Census data is also used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government.

A non-response follow up to the Census will begin mid-to-late April across the state.

"I strongly encourage each and every Hoosier to participate in the 2010 census. Only together can we meet and overcome the challenges that await us in the coming decade," said Daniels.

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  • How do we participate if we don't receive one??

    -- Posted by barb4him2 on Wed, Mar 31, 2010, at 4:38 PM
  • Agree with the first comment how do we get this done?

    -- Posted by diesel 1 on Wed, Mar 31, 2010, at 7:42 PM
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