The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed our world. But even as we are doing our part to cope with the present circumstances, we can also invest in our future. Now more than ever, it is important for everyone to complete the 2020 U.S. Census.
The significance of the Census cannot be overstated, and it starts with funding: Congress uses the information to determine how they will allocate more than $675 billion in federal money among the states each year. Some of those dollars will go toward projects in our community, helping pay for things like new roads, schools, and hospitals, as well as services for seniors and children.
In addition, the U.S. Constitution requires that the government conduct a census every 10 years, and individuals are required by law to respond. Census data is also used to determine how Congressional districts are drawn.
How It Works
By March 20, everyone should have received an invitation to participate in the Census. The official mailing included detailed information and an ID number; for the first time, you can choose to complete the census online. You can also participate by phone or mail.
The Census has just a few simple questions. To assist respondents, the Census Bureau has created webpages and guides in American Sign Language, Braille, and large-print formats. The survey is also available in 59 non-English languages; select areas of the country will receive bilingual invitations and paper questionnaires.
If you have not received an invitation, you may respond online, visit the Census Bureau help page or call 844-330-2020. Starting in May, Census Bureau employees are scheduled to begin making personal visits to households that have not responded.
The City of Benbrook encourages everyone to complete their census form promptly, as the information is or great value to our City leaders and can greatly benefit our business community and residents. To paraphrase the Census Bureau slogan, “Shape your roads, shape your community, shape your schools, shape your future.”
For more information, email askcensus.gov or follow the Census Bureau on Facebook and Twitter. The Census Bureau is also actively hiring for a variety of temporary positions. Visit census.gov/jobs.
See the response rate in our community.
Worried About Your Privacy?
The Census Bureau website states: "Your information is completely confidential and protected by law and cannot be shared with any other government agencies, including law enforcement or immigration officials. ... By law, the U.S. Census Bureau can use your responses only to produce statistics."
But do please be on the alert for scammers. The Census Bureau has created a website on avoiding frauds and scams. And remember, the Census Bureau will never ask you for personal information such as your Social Security or bank account number.