IN Millcreek Spring 2020 | Page 18

Every Community Is An Important Part Of The American Story Every ten years since 1790, our nation has conducted a count of everyone living in the United States, this is known as the Decennial Census. This count is so important it is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Make sure our community’s story is told by responding to the 2020 Census. When you do, you help our community get the most out of the American dream. Your response is important to our community The seats in Congress are determined by how many people are counted in the Census and in each particular county in PA. The data also informs where over $675 billion in federal funding is spent each year in states and communities. That includes money for things like: • Medicare and Medicaid • Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) • Education grants for schools • Supplemental nutritional programs (SNAP and WIC) • Housing programs • Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Responding Is Safe Your personal information is kept confidential by law. Identifying information can not be shared with any outside agency including law enforcement, Child Support, FBI, ICE, or landlords. The 2020 Census Survey Is Easy! Most households will discover it only takes a short amount of time to answer a few questions on behalf of each person living in their home. And, beginning March 12, households will receive an Invitation to Respond in their mailbox where they have the opportunity to complete the Census through early self-response either online or by calling the Census phone number. The Census is available online and by phone in 12 languages plus English, with additional guidance in 60 languages, TTY, Braille, and American Sign Language. Households that do not complete the Census through the early self-response phase in March will then receive postcard reminders several weeks following in the mail encouraging them to respond online or by calling the Census phone response number. If after the early response phase, a household has still not yet responded, the traditional paper form will be mailed to the house. If the household has still not responded online, by phone or through the paper form, a Census Taker (also known as an Enumerator), will visit the home to collect responses. This phase occurs in mid- to late April. The opportunity to respond to the Census runs through July 31, 2020. However, early self-response online or by phone saves tax dollars and the need for a Census Taker to visit the household due to non-response. Every Person Counts Whether it’s funding in communities across your state or helping determine the number of seats your state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives—every count makes an equal impact. Please visit 2020CENSUS.GOV for more information including how to apply for census jobs in your area. Connect with us @uscensusbureau 16 MILLCREEK