The U.S. Census comes around every 10-years and this year the census was just getting started when the dreaded COVID-19 virus struck the United States. The census is a very important method of helping to decide the funding allocations for local communities as well as the number of U.S. House of Representatives each state is awarded. In the 2010 census, the state of Ohio lost two House of Representative seats because of population changes. It is extremely important that everyone is counted, including all the children in a household. The census also wants all immigrants to be counted even if they are just here on work visas. You will not be asked for any Social Security numbers, banking information, citizenship status, political party, or income information.
The census statistics are utilized in deciding everything from how many state and federal dollars are awarded to local schools, to the grants that help to maintain our roads, bridges, water, sewer, fire & EMS departments. Beyond those very important items, the census also helps in deciding funding for areas like local health departments. Health departments are receiving much more attention in recent weeks as they help to guide our local communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is our duty to do our part and take the time to fill out the census. I did my census last week and it took me less than 10-minutes to complete. I recently received an email from the census bureau stating that Paulding County’s voluntary response is below average at 41% and that parts of the county are averaging as low as 35%. Many of us are searching for things to keep us occupied during the Ohio stay at home order. I would suggest we all take the time to help our census workers stay safe by doing our part and completing it online at 2020census.gov, respond by mail, or by phone.
Chad Benschneider, Harrison Township Trustee, Payne, OH
