Census 2010 – We’re Counting on You!

By Commissioner Jeff Koons

It’s crunch time for the 2010 U.S. Census. The once-per-decade, nationwide head count is crucial in terms of divvying up more than $400 billion in federal monies to fund local social services and grant programs, and to build roads, schools and hospitals. Census data is also used to set legislative boundaries and determine how many seats each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives. The more residents who are counted in Palm Beach County, the bigger our slice of the federal pie.  So please do your part.

If you have already filled out and mailed back your census form, good for you. If not, please make it a point to do so. It takes just a few minutes to answer the 10 questions, the information is confidential and, as mentioned, it’s very important.

For those who fail to return their census survey, a census field worker will be assigned to visit the home.  Field workers go door-to-door in neighborhoods, hospitals, nursing homes, mobile home parks, half-way houses, homeless shelters, under bridges and in wooded areas to locate residents.  Even inmates in jails and prisons must be counted.

Census workers operate under the “3 P’s” – be polite, professional and persistent.  They may stop at the same address up to six times if necessary to find somebody home.  And don’t be offended if your neighbors are asked for information about your whereabouts and schedule.

If a census worker knocks on your door, treat them with respect.  He or she is there only to help you to complete your form.  If you don’t understand something, just ask. You are not required to provide any information other than what is on the survey.  Non-citizens and undocumented residents will not be arrested or deported for filling out a census form.

The door-to-door campaign will continue into early summer, and additional census workers may be needed. If you are interested in some part-time work, please call 866-861-2010. Census takers are paid about $15 an hour plus 55 cents per mile.  Job candidates must pass an exam and a criminal background check.  The exam has 28 multiple-choice questions that measure clerical, number, reading and organizational skills.  Practice tests are available online at www.2010censusjobs.com, and the test may be taken more than once.

As with any successful public information campaign, the message has to be simple and direct and reinforced often.  Palm Beach County has been promoting Census 2010 with public service announcements and special segments on programs such as “On 20” and “County Connection.”  Palm Tran, the county’s transit system, has message banners in three languages inside and outside its buses, as well as specially printed bus passes.  We have also held a series of public meetings with faith-based community leaders to help get the message out.

Remember, Census 2010 is an opportunity to receive federal funding we’re entitled to, but we have to be able to prove how many people are actually living in Palm Beach County.  Please fill out and return your census form – we’re counting on you!

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Please feel free to contact me or my staff at 355-2202.