The 2020 U.S. Census count is mandated by the U.S. Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. Every home throughout the U.S. will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire – online, by phone or by mail. This will mark the first time that residents will be able to respond to the Census online.
The 2020 Census counts every person living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.
According to the Census official website, www.2020census.gov, the results of the 2020 Census will determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. The results also determine how many seats in Congress each state gets.
Dozens of federal programs use Census data to help direct funding to state and local areas. Census results help determine how more than $675 billion in federal funding is allocated to states and communities each year for roads, schools, hospitals and health clinics, emergency services, fire departments and more, according to the website.
The U.S. Constitution mandates that the country conduct a count of its population once every 10 years. The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time that the country has counted its population since 1790.
Participating in the census and obtaining a thorough and accurate count is not only critical for Greene County’s communities, it is required by law.
As for confidentiality concerns, Census Bureau officials said that responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure and protected by federal law. Answers can only be used to produce statistics – they cannot be used against residents in any way.
The Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about any resident, their home, or their business, even to law enforcement agencies. This is protected under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, according to the website.
Learn more about the Census Bureau’s data protection and privacy program by visiting www.census.gov/privacy.
Meanwhile, the Census Bureau is encouraging residents interested in obtaining employment as a Census taker to contact the Bureau.
Office and in-field positions are available for the 2020 U.S. Census, and anyone interested may call 1-855-JOB-2020 or visit www.2020census.gov/jobs for more information or for help in applying.