The 2010 Census: An Overview

Purpose of the Census Mandated in the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 2, for the purpose of: –Apportionment –Redistricting –Distribution of Federal Funds 2

The “Big” Picture!  April 1, 2010 is Census Day  12 Regions … Dallas is TX, LA, & MS  51 Local Census Offices  Field Operations, Partnership and Data Services deployed across TX, LA, and MS  1 st major operation of 2009 already complete  2000 Census Mail Response Rates: 3 Area% Response United States67% Texas64%

2010 Census Core Messages It’s Easy:  It’s Easy:  Shortest questionnaire in Census history  Seven questions: name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, own/rent  Will take only about 10 minutes to complete  It’s Important:  Census data directly affect how more than $300 billion per year in federal funding is allocated  The census will count all residents living in the United States on April 1, 2010  The census provides a snapshot of the nation, which helps define who we are  It’s Safe:  Answers are protected by law and strictly confidential  Information collected is used for statistical purposes only 4

Questionnaire/Language Assistance  English + 5 : Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese  QAC’s are staffed by Census Bureau employees & will assist persons who may have questions or who need special language assistance  BC sites will only have questionnaires and will not be staffed. 5

Hard to Count Segments of the Population  Elderly  Children/Infants  Minorities (gender, race, ethnicity, etc.)  Language proficiency other than English  Lower Socioeconomic Standing  Renters  Newly Arrived Immigrants  Migrant Farm/Ranch Workers & Their Families  Homeless 6

Partnerships  Federal, State, Local Governments  Community-Based Organizations  Faith-Based Organizations  Businesses  Schools (Higher Education and K-12)  Media 7

How You Can Help the 2010 Census! Offer a public endorsement of the 2010 Census via proclamation, press release Add 2010 Census logo, produce article in district newsletters after legislation session is out Participate in a Complete Count Committee and commit to census-related events Keep in touch with your local Partnership Team 8

9 Thank You! For more information: