North Royalton residents should be receiving the 2020 census form soon. Each decade, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, Congress is empowered to carry out the census. The original census in the United States was used to determine representation of the people in Congress. “It counts our population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs — impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care and public policy,” according to the federal government’s census officials. The first census started in 1790 and has continued every ten years since that time.
There are four ways to respond to the census. The newest way is by responding online. Residents can also respond by phone, by mail or via an in-person interview. In order to ensure and accurate count, questions, as listed below, are asked in order to collect statistics that are used by a number of agencies that use them for planning purposes. Some of the questions include:
Name
Phone Number (for questions regarding the form)
Additional People Living or Staying in the Household
Whether a Person Lives or Stays Elsewhere
Owner/Renter
Age
Date of Birth
Sex
Race
Relationship to Others in Household
Residents are encouraged to fill out the census and return it as soon as possible. By filling out the census, you enable to government to not only keep a count and makeup of the residents of this country, but also is used as a tool for making decisions for planning and funding.
According to The U.S. Department of Commerce, between March 12 and 20, residents should receive an invitation to respond to the 2020 Census. Some households will also receive the paper questionnaires. Between March 16 and 24, a reminder letter will be sent. For those residents who haven’t responded, another reminder will be sent between March 26 and April 3. A reminder letter and paper questionnaire will then be sent between April 8 and 16, and a final reminder postcard mailed between April 20 and 27.
According to federal census officials, “Federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race and other factors. Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone.” The local statistics from the census are used on a local level to help with projections for educational and residential services. The information is also utilized by businesses and developers for planning and developmental purposes.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer