LOS ALAMOS COUNTY 2020 CENSUS NEWS
During this time of social distancing and staying at home, there is one constructive activity to do with your time that makes a difference for our state, county and community. In fact, it makes the difference of about $5,750 per person for the next ten years.
That activity is filling out the 2020 Census questionnaire. The Constitution mandates this count, every ten years, of all persons living in the US regardless of citizenship. There is no citizenship question on the census survey, and the survey is only 10 questions that takes about 10 minutes to answer.
By now, most residents should have received an invitation to participate that includes a unique Census ID number. This year for the first time in history, the census can be filled out on-line. The on-line system went live March 12. If possible, it is best to respond on-line or by phone, to save the time, effort and costs of in-person visits to homes, later in the process.
All 33 counties, and 23 Tribal governments, will participate to make sure New Mexico is represented for the count. “As part of the effort to ensure an accurate count in New Mexico, the State awarded all counties grant funds,” said Linda Matteson of Los Alamos County. “One of the requirements was to form a local Complete Count Committee.” The County Council appointed seven members of the community, representing diverse groups such as Lab, schools (LAPS and UNM-LA), non-profit organizations and churches, in October 2019.
Why is it so important to make sure you get counted? “The distribution of more than $675 Billion of federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties, and communities are based on census data,” said Matteson. “The results of the Census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.” Each resident in New Mexico that gets counted or not is equal to approximately $5750/year to the state. First time in history, you will be able to fill out your census survey on-line. Other options include by phone or on paper.”
These survey results benefits programs for every age and in every state. The count is done every ten years, so your answers today, will ensure funding for an entire decade. So please, take your time to do your civic duty, to provide information for your local government, to help determine the number of elected representatives and to make a better future for us all. Just visit 2020Census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020. Language support assistance for completing the survey is also available.