2010 Census is Important to Each of Us
Guest Commentary from Mavis Busiek Some say it is a ploy to know where you live and get your information. Some say it is unconstitutional. Others say the questions are too personal. Not so – not so and not so. When the first Census in this country, called The United States of America, was taken in 1790 the population of the United States was 3,929,214 there were 13 states and our President was George Washington. The U.S. census counts every resident and is required by the constitution to take place every ten years. -- Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution of the United States The U. S. Federal Census is an exceptional tool for family historians. We have access to more than 150 years of detailed family information. Information given as part of every U. S. Census is held confidential for 72 years; the most recent census available for research is the 1930 Census. In April 2012, we will be able to inspect the Census of 1940. In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive your form answer the ten questions for the first person in your household and the seven questions for each additional person living in your household. Remember to mail back the form in the postage –paid envelope provided. It is most important that we fill out the census forms and encourage others to do so. In 2000 the population of Missouri was 5,595,211 and the 2009 estimation is 5,987,580 or a 7.0 % increase. In order to know our population we must participate and fill out the census form. Census information affects the number of seats our state occupies in the U. S. House of Representatives and the number of Congressional seats effect the number of Electoral votes carried in the Presidential Elections. The 2010 census will affect our vote for ten (10) long years as well as how federal funding is spent each year on infrastructure and services like: schools, hospitals, senior centers, job training centers, emergency services, bridges and other public work projects. Participation is not just important – IT IS MANDATORY | 