Getting an accurate count of Eagle Lake's residents is more important than ever!
It is estimated that every 100 people missed in the Census count leads to $1.2 million loss to the people of Minnesota. This happens because more than $300 billion in federal funding is allocated to communities based on the census data. Currently, $6.2 billion of these federal funds are allocated annually to the State of Minnesota, based in whole or in part on Census Data. That means that Minnesota receives $1,204 per person annually, or a little more than $12,000 over a decade for each person counted in the census. It also means that our state loses a little more than $12,000 over a decade for each person who does not return their census form. Having an incomplete count means our state will not get its fair share of funding.
Minnesota is dangerously close to losing one of its eight Congressional seats which would reduce our state's voice in national affairs. Estimates show that the difference between losing a seat and retaining a seat could be as small as 2,000 people. As such, if every city and township in the state misses counting even just one person, Minnesota could lose a seat in the House of Representatives.
US Census Bureau Press Release
The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas. By law all residents of the United States have to be counted including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens. The foundation of our American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. In order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders, the US Constitution mandates a census of the population every ten years.
The census population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. It also determines the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over the course of the decade. Census data are used to define legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government. Census data will directly affect how more than $3 trillion is allocated to local, state and tribal governments over the next ten years. In order for this funding allocation to be accomplished fairly and accurately, the goal of the decennial census is to count everybody, count them only once, and count them in the right place. The facts gathered in the census also help shape decisions for the rest of the decade about public health, neighborhood improvements, transportation, education, senior services and much more.
By 2010, there will be an estimated 310 million people residing in the United States. Counting each person is one of the largest operations the federal government undertakes. For example, the US Census Bureau will recruit nearly 3.8 million applicants for 2010 Census field operations. Of these applicants, the Census Bureau will hire about 1.4 million temporary employees. Some of these employees will be using GPS-equipped hand-held computers to update maps and ensure there is an accurate address list for the mailing of the census questionnaires.
To do your part, watch for your Census form to arrive in the mail mid-March 2010. Fill it out in its entirety. Return it promptly as all Census Forms must be received by April 1, 2010. And, make sure to remind your family, friends and neighbors to return their Census forms as well.
For more information, visit the 2010 Census website.
Frequently Asked Questions
