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What you need to know about the U.S.census

Posted: Mar 8, 2010 10:48 PM
Updated: Mar 8, 2010 10:48 PM


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TUCSON - In just one weeks a U.S. Census form will be landing in your mailbox and census workers are saying the sooner you fill it out and send it back in the better.

The 2010 form is only ten simple questions. Workers said that's a lot different then the one ten years ago. Paul Fimbres the local census office manager said, "
Nothing like the 30 some questions that were on the 2000 census questionnaire. Our target is to make sure people only spend about ten or 15 minutes filling this out."

But why do it?

Census and community leaders said there are a lot of benefits. One is that if population increases so does Arizona's pull up on Capital Hill with the addition of another Representative.

David Taylor a demographic advisor to Pima Association of Government said, "Having nine representatives in congress is a serious advantage to a growing state. It makes sure our voice is heard when it comes to federal programs and priorities."

You filling out the form also results in a lot of money. Census workers estimate a family of four to bring the state 10-thousand dollars a year. Spread that out over 10 years, and that's 100-thousand dollars. A hundred grand, Arizona would miss out on if one family decides not to fill it out.

Taylor said, "Think how many pot holes 100-thousand dollars would fix. How many library books in the children's library is that? How many tires for a police vehicle? How many extra programs in Parks and Rec in the summer?"

But despite the advantages and how easy it is census workers said there are still many people who just don't trust the government, especially illegal immigrants in this area. That's what workers have been fighting the past few months with bus tours, commercials, and volunteers getting the message out..."there's nothing to worry about."

Taylor said, "It doesn't go outside the census, immigration people don't have access to it. No one gets to see it, not even the President of the United States. Nobody."

Census workers said if the number of people sending the forms in early by mail increases by one percent it could save the government 70 to 80-million dollars.

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