Assemblyman Boyland: 2010 Census Just Around the Corner – Make Sure You’re Counted!

February 19, 2009

Assemblyman William Boyland, Jr. (D-Kings) announced that preparations are underway for the 2010 Census. Beginning this spring, census employees will go door-to-door to update address lists to reach an estimated 310 million people.

“The census offers a critical snapshot of our community,” Assemblyman Boyland said. “The federal government uses census figures to allocate billions of dollars in federal funding, impacting everything from schools and hospitals to our roads.”

Conducted once every 10 years in accordance with the U.S. Constitution, the detailed look at the nation’s resident population also provides businesses with vital data for store locations and housing development.

Census questionnaires will be mailed or delivered to every U.S. household starting in February 2010. Questionnaires include 10 easy questions and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, Assemblyman Boyland said. The new, shorter forms are a departure from 2000’s lengthy questionnaires, but participation is still required. The forms are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese.

By law (Title 13, U.S. Code), the Census Bureau maintains a strict privacy policy. Personal information cannot be shared with anyone, including the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or any other government agency. Additionally, every Census Bureau employee takes a non-disclosure oath and faces severe penalties if the oath is violated.

“You can do your part from the couch. Helping our community has never been easier,” Assemblyman Boyland said. “For those looking to get a little more involved, the government will be filling part-time and full-time positions throughout the country.”

The U.S. Census Bureau will create thousands of temporary jobs to update local address lists and conduct interviews with area residents. To inquire about employment opportunities, contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 1-866-861-2010 or visit its Web site at www.census.gov/2010census.

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