Census 2020: Why we count

Friday, April 10, 2020

You may be getting a little overwhelmed by the Covid-19 numbers update every day.

So we thought we’d put together another set of numbers for you to keep track of. And unlike the Covid-19 numbers, these are numbers you want to see increase. Another contrast is that you can take an action today that will result in moving the number in the correct direction.

The U.S. Census 2020 has put out a web site, https://bit.ly/2RsrO1x, which allows you see how the response rate is going for the 2020 Census. The map features self-response rates for the 2020 Census; those who have responded online, by mail, or by phone.

You can see how your state, county, congressional district or town is doing compared to the total response rate ten years ago. So far, the site estimates that 52.2% of Nebraskans have responded to the census; compared to 46.7% nation wide. Yea, Nebraska.

But when we compare the three congressional districts in Nebraska, the third district is running behind the rest of the state. The third district is at 46.7% compared to 54.8% in the first district and 55.3% in the second. We are the third district, and we represent the majority of the land mass in Nebraska.

So why should we care? The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers and many others use to provide services, products, and support for the community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.

The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. It’s kind of a big deal.

So what can you do about it? Make sure you respond to the Census Bureau mailing that should have already arrived at your house. You can complete the form online, by phone, or by mail. If you did not receive an invitation to respond from the census Bureau, you can call 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (Spanish).

Come on, District Three. Let’s show the rest of Nebraska that we count.

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