The federal government noticed a troubling problem when they received the results from the 2000 census nine-and-a-half years ago. The number of U.S. citizens who participated in the survey dropped ten percent from the total number who were counted in 1990. The outcome led to an unintentional misappropriation of funds for some city and state governments.
To bring awareness to Baltimore residents on the importance of the Census, Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown; Congressman Elijah Cummings; U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves and the Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke visited Digital Harbor High School in Federal Hill to encourage students to spread the message.
“We want [students] to understand that this is very important,” said Cummings to the students in their library. “The count will affect them greatly. It will even affect children who are not even born.”
“2010 Census: It’s About Us” is a new program created by the U.S. Census Bureau that will provide educators with resources to teach the nation’s students about the census. The program’s goal is to have children deliver its significance to their families. It will also engage youth to help ensure that every household member is included in the survey.
“The Census gives our community a stronger voice and provides planners with necessary information on services and programs that ought to be delivered,” said Brown. “It’s a vital tool for shaping the future.”
The 2010 Census’ objective is to count all living residents in the United States. The 10-question survey is one of the shortest in history, and only asks basic information such as name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship and whether one owns or rents his/her home. Additionally, questionnaires in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian —as well as language guides in almost 60 languages — will be available on request.
Walk-in centers will also be accessible for those who speak little or no English to complete census questionnaires.
“It’s about making it efficient for everyone,” said Locke. “It all comes down to who is counted on April 1, 2010.”
Brian Eggleston, a senior at DHHS with the highest grade point average advised his colleagues on the benefits of the census. “The census is taking account of everyone so that the government can give funding to everyone who needs it. It will also help some of us get scholarships.”
Responses to the 2010 Census are required by law. All responses are used for statistical purposes only and are strictly confidential.
The Census Bureau will deliver results to President Obama next December.
it is estimated that there will be 310 million residents in the U.S. in 2010.
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