The United States Census is one of the most important ways you can help define, affect, and participate in the future of our country. 2020 may be the first opportunity for many millennials and younger generations to participate in this historical survey, but many may not understand the purpose or importance of the Census. Affecting everything from budget allocation to political representation, the future of your community is on the table, and the story of that future begins with taking the Census. With all of this in mind, you can’t afford not to take the 2020 United States Census. Here are just a few reasons why.
What is the Census?
Since 1790, and every 10 years after, The United States Census has aimed to count each person living in the United states during a certain period. This population census, which records specific population demographics, aims to gather details about the population of an area and how it has changed, grown, and evolved over the last 10 years. The results of the 2020 census will determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. Equally important are the political representative implications of the Census, as the results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets.
Why do we take the Census?
The United States Census gathers and provides incredibly important data to lawmakers, the education system, business owners, daily services, products, and the support of both government and private industry, allowing for an accurate picture of the community in which they provide for. Yearly, billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated for hospitals, essential services such as fire departments and police, as well as essential infrastructure such as roads and highways. Without a complete and true outlook of your city and state, this funding may not be shared correctly in your community.
Representation
The results of the Census not only decide the allocation of federal budgets towards our community, but also is the driving information that determines the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the population of a community and how it is dispersed amongst any area changes, so do the Congressional and state legislative district lines. Without proper figures and assessment, your community may not be represented completely and accurately.
Community Funding
With a growing population in the United States, the landscape of what a population looks like, where they live, and what services and challenges these communities face change greatly during a decade. The Census, as it is required to be taken by every household in America ever 10 years, gives that information to lawmakers and is interpreted to successfully support your community. If these numbers are not accurate, funding for essential services, as well as infrastructure improvements will not support the population. Every response adds to the bigger picture.
Business Decisions
The Results of the 2020 census will affect and shape more than just the political and governmental action in your community. As the Results of the Census are public, businesses both public and private, use this data to dictate the best way to serve your community, as the information provides population trends, growth projects, community demographics, and other important social attributes that businesses take into consideration when planning for the future.
Transportation
The Census provides data that influences decisions on the infrastructure of our communities. Travel and transportation are other important aspect or our daily lives that is affected by the amount of people living in our cities and states. These results influence highway planning and construction, as well as other aspects of public transport such as buses and subways.
Education and Beyond
Community support is one of the most important consequences of taking the Census. Local schools, Universities, special educational programs, as well as the educators and professors that support and educate our children, are deeply affected by the results of the census. The information provided directly translates to the funding and support from government budgets as well as grants that support the education system are based heavily on the results of the Census.
The Deadline to complete the Census is September 30,2020.
Although all postal census information was mailed to every home in America by April 1st, the easiest way to take the Census before the Deadline is to visit the US Census website https://2020census.gov/en.html. Please seize this opportunity immediately to participate in the 2020 United States Census. You are shaping the future of Memphis!
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