4/1/2010- Sires Urges Residents to Mail Back 2010 Census Forms

For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Erica Daughtrey

April 1, 2010                                                                201-222-2828

Washignton, D.C.-- Today, April 1, 2010—Census Day—Congressman Sires urges residents to take 10 minutes to fill out and send back their 2010 Census forms if they haven’t already done so. The 2010 Census contains 10 questions and determines where millions of dollars in federal funding is distributed.  

“The census helps the federal government identify which communities need funding for services such as hospitals, schools and bridges,” said Congressman Sires. “I urge all of the residents in the 13th District to make sure their families are counted and that their voices are heard by sending back their census forms.”

The U.S. Census Bureau mailed or hand-delivered about 134 million 2010 Census questionnaires to households in March. To date, just over half of those households have mailed back their census forms. Residents who have yet to return their form still have time to complete and mail back their 10-question census form. Beginning in May, households that have not returned their census forms may be visited by a census-taker, who will ask the questions on the form in person.

Residents’ answers to the census questions are private and safe. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone-- including other federal agencies, law enforcement entities, or housing authorities. Census data are used to determine the number of seats that each state holds in the House of Representatives. Additionally, census data directly affect how federal funding is distributed to state and local governments. These funds can go to programs and services that your community needs, including hospitals, schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels and job training centers.

“The census is simple, short, and safe, and a great way to participate in your government,” said Congressman Sires. “The census is one of the most direct ways people can make sure that their community’s needs are communicated.”

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