Have You Been Counted? The 2020 Census

Posted: May 15, 2020, 10:28AM

It's CENSUS time! Have you been counted? You should have gotten your "invitation" to be counted, and you can respond online, by phone or by mail. Some of us got short forms which were concise with questions. Others received longer forms which requested more information.

So - you might ask - why is the responding to the Census important? First - it's your civic duty. Very importantly, it affects the amount of funding that our communities and our state receives, and it affects our representation in government.

According to the Census 2020 website, data from the 2020 Census are used to:

* Ensure public services and funding for schools, hospitals, and fire departments.

*Plan new homes and businesses, and improve neighborhoods.

*Determine how many seats your state is allocated in the Hosue of Representatives.

Census results affect your community EVERY DAY. (Think school lunches, support for firefighters, plans for highways - to name just a few areas!)

WV is at a 46.6% self-response rate compared to the National self-response rate of 59.1%. The Ohio County self-response rate is above the state average at 58.7%.

If we don't respond, the Census Bureau will follow up in person to get the information. Under the Census law, those who don't respond can face penalties of up to $5,000.00 for not reporting or answering the questionnaire.

The census is critical for funding! If you've not responded, please do so immediately!

For questions about responding to the 2020 Census, call 844 330-2020 from 7am - 2am (Eastern time) or go to the 2020 Census website at https://2020census.gov.

Don't let funding be negatively affected! Respond TODAY!