By now, you have likely heard that the 2020 Census is coming up. Beginning the week of March 12, every household in the United States will begin receiving invitations to respond to the 2020 Census, which will record who is living where across the entire USA. This effort to count everyone living in America happens every ten years, and provides a huge and very important set of data that helps to shape the way our society works. It is absolutely critical that you respond, but in good news, it’s easier than ever!
The Why
The federal government uses Census data to determine how approximately $675 billion in federal spending is distributed each year- approximately $2,700 per person. This spending funds programs such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicare, Medicaid, highway funding, educational grants, Head Start, and more. Beyond that, Massachusetts uses census numbers to apportion state-level spending as well. An accurate count helps ensure that we in the Berkshires will get our fair share of funding, so it is critical that everyone participate.
That’s not all, however. Congressional representation, electoral votes, and representation in the Massachusetts Statehouse are all based on census data. The results of the 2020 Census will directly impact our region’s representation in Washington, D.C. and at the State House.
The census also provides data for government, business, and non-profit decision making, and for emergency/distance response planning. Notably, the 2020 Census will not have any questions about citizenship.
The How
As you can see, it is important that we count everyone living in the Berkshires. You can do your part by responding to the Census and encouraging everyone you know to do the same. The good news is that responding is easier now than it ever has been! You will be able to respond by mail, by phone, and for the first time, online!
In addition, census materials are available in many languages to make it easier for everyone to respond. You will receive instructions with your mailed invitation to respond, and you can visit 2020census.gov for more information about making sure that you are counted.
Resources
Do you still have questions? The Census Bureau has answers, as well as resources to help explain the process in greater detail. Click the links below for additional information:
•2020 Census response website
•Sample version of the 2020 Census form (PDF)
•Questions asked in the 2020 Census provides a detailed look at the questions you’ll be answering.
•Who to Count in the 2020 Census provides guidance about how to count people in specific situations, such as college students living on campus, babies born on April 1, etc.
•Fighting 2020 Census Rumors dispels misinformation that you may have heard about the Census.
•Important Dates shows a timeline of key milestones in the 2020 Census process.
So keep an eye out for your mailed invitation to participate in the 2020 Census, respond online, by phone, or by mail, and ask everyone you know whether they’ve done their part to #MakeTheBerkshiresCount!
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