Completion of the U.S. Census, which occurs every 10 years, is essential to supporting your community. In fact, your participation can help government officials make decisions regarding the need and allocation for financial, emergency, health care, development, and education resources.
As shared in an article on the University of Miami’s News@TheU website, Rudy Fernandez, senior vice president for public affairs and communication and chief of staff to the president, explained that the federal government uses census numbers to allocate more than $675 billion in funds annually, making participation in the census crucial to our society. Other experts—including Laura Kohn-Wood, dean of the University’s School of Education and Human Development, and Gregory Koger, professor of political science—also point out more reasons why your response to the census is so important.Because the census impacts the University community and beyond, we’re sharing details from the official U.S. Census Bureau website on how you can make sure you’re counted.
- The census occurs every 10 years and can be completed online, by phone, or by mail. If you haven’t received an invitation to respond by mail, you can get started here.
- No matter how you respond, the questionnaire is secure and confidential. Your answers are used for statistical purposes only.
- Your participation helps direct billions of dollars in federal funds to support everything from development, health care, education, disaster relief, and other public services.
- Results from the 2020 Census are also used to determine political representation in your state at every level of government.
Still have questions about the importance of the Census and how your responses are used? Visit Census 101 on the U.S. Census Bureau website or get assistance with your submission here.
Visit https://2020census.gov/ for more information on the U.S. Census.