Article 1, Section 2 of The Constitution of the United States decrees that a population count be done once every decade for the express purpose of reapportioning Congress. It also determines how federal funds will be dispersed to state and local communities each year to pay for services like schools, roads, and infrastructure. In 2020, those funds will add up to more than $675 billion.
Check out the census apportionment machine to see how the apportionment formula guarantees fair representation for all.
Not only does the census provide a population count, it also asks questions that provide necessary statistics that help shape the lives of citizen and business services. The questions for 2020 were to be sent to Congress for approval by March 31, 2018.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 will be first census that is completed mostly online, although telephone and mail service will also be options for submitting the completed questionnaire. Remember, libraries offer FREE computer access as well as librarians that are trained to assist those who need help navigating the Internet.
One of the biggest concerns in taking a census is making sure everyone is counted. Some citizens worry about reporting personal information to the government. In the early 1950s, the government addressed that concern by making public access to census record information unavailable until 72 years have passed, although the data compiled is readily available as statistics via the census website.
The last census made public was the 1940 census which became available in April 2012. The 1950 Federal Census will be made available April 2022.
Interested in working for the 2020 Census? Go to https://2020census.gov/jobs The pay rate for a census taker position in Monroe County, Michigan will be$16.00 per hour.
For more information go to https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census/about.html