10 Questions, 10 Minutes, in 2010

You've probably seen the commercials.

You've probably heard the conspiracy theories.

You've probably seen the posters.

& next week: you'll be getting one...

US CENSUS 2010.

Before this year I knew nothing about the US Census. In my defense, during the last Census I was 12. Since then my only knowledge of the survey is a jumbled mix of inappropriate words, threats of communism, noneoftheirdamnbusiness, too long, too much money, too much too much too much - bad news.

Then. A few weeks ago I went to listen to Barbara Ronningen from the MN State Demographic Center speak about the importance of the US Census. Turns out, my ideas were all wrong.

The Census isn't a tracking system for the US Government (they cannot turn any of your information into the legal system - so you're safe if you admit to living in the country illegally, or have too many roommates, or are living under a bridge, or housing your step-brother's neighbor's sister's kids, etc; nor can they publish any data that could possibly pinpoint an individual).

This year, there are only 10 questions on the Census form (no income questions). & the rumor is - it won't take more than 10 minutes to fill out.

Many people think the Census is just a huge waste of money. But did you know that currently the 2010 Census is the number one employer in the US? & if you correctly and promptly complete your Census the costs are low, but should you leave too many questions blank or not return a Census, a representative will come to your home doubling (or tripling) the cost. More commonly asked questions/answers can be found here.

The Census is for our benefit. When the Government knows how many people are living in an area, how old the people are, if they are working, unemployed, or students ... they then have a better idea of where to send MONEY. Money for schools, highways, financial aid, hospitals, housing, small businesses, roads, parks .... are you starting to see the picture?

I asked Mrs. Ronningen, "How does the Census affect me? I'm out of school, unemployed, and living with my parents." Her points included: How do you think businesses decide where to open new offices? Census data. If you want to see the growth of new jobs in an area, you have to show via the Census where they are needed. Show employers where young people are moving...and they will come.

I'm under the impression that most of my readers are fellow students and young adults. It's important that you too fill out the Census form that arrives to your school address. If you are living with your parents for the majority of the year, you should be counted on their Census form. If you are at school for a majority of the year, you should not be included with your parents, but instead with your roommates (remember, your landlord won't find out if there are 6 toothbrushes in a 3 bedroom apartment ;) ). The form will ask for a 'head of household' but fear not, in any situation, it is simply the person filling out the form!

Need I repeat myself ... 10 minutes = money for schools, financial aid, housing projects, roads ...

If you're a fellow Minnesotan this 2010 Census is especially important - if not enough people participate - Minnesota could lose a seat in Congress.

Please, please, please, if you still have concerns or questions about the US Census find more information at http://2010.census.gov/

Something to do before April 1st: obviously... fill out your 2010 Census!