The Census affects Fredericksburg in ways you might not immediately recognize. It affects nearly every aspect of our lives. Federal, State and local governments, scientists, businesses, and nonprofit organizations all rely on Census data in their decision-making.
The Census is a “snapshot in time” that determines congressional districts, how federal and state dollars are apportioned, how financial assistance will be allocated to needy individuals and organizations, where businesses decide to open new stores and market their products, and much, much more. For all of this to work properly, an accurate Census count is critical.
Mandated by our Founding Fathers in the U.S. Constitution, the Census happens every 10 years. It’s essentially a “head count” of who lives where, a geographic tally of our nation’s population. The data is incredibly valuable, and it’s used in many ways, including:
• Redistricting for elections
• Apportioning the proper amount of Federal funds to Virginia
• Allocation of proper amount Federal funds to FXBG and neighboring communities
• Funding of highway projects
• Allocating funds for programs for underserved, at-risk populations
• Forecasts for Social Security payouts
• Used by private businesses in product development & marketing
• Used by scientists who study populations (such as economics, public health, etc.)
• Used by nonprofits to target their efforts
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis is happening at the same time as the 2020 Census. Door-to-door Census taking is simply not possible this time around. It is critical that each FXBG resident to step-up and complete the Census questionnaire themselves.
How do you do that?
Choose one of three ways to complete the questionnaire:
• online
• by phone
• by mail
Instructions are found here: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/technical-documentation/questionnaires/2020.html
Do it now; please don’t put it off.
The more folks do it, the better off we all will be!
Please share this message with your family, friends and neighbors – #ItsTime to be counted.
