the Informer

Photo by Suzie Hunter

Something happens every 10 years. Not only do we usher in a new decade, but the United States Census is issued. Students at the university will have the opportunity to participate in it this spring.On Monday, Feb. 1, 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour made a stop at the university, setting up in Suisman Lounge. Census employees explained to students why it is so imperative that they participate. According to Anna Mariotti, a partnership data specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, the census forms will be delivered to campus in April through student’s campus mailboxes. The form will consist of seven questions which will then be submitted back to the bureau.

Students were enticed to learn about the census through free food and giveaways such as bags, travel coffee mugs and t-shirts. In turn, students found out why it was so important for them to fill out the form. According to the official 2010 census Web site, “Census information affects the numbers of seats your state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives. And people from many walks of life use census data to advocate for causes, rescue disaster victims, prevent diseases, research markets, locate pools of skilled workers and more.”

The census asks simple demographic questions including name, sex, age and date of birth. However, federal law protects everyone’s personal information; the bureau is not allowed to disclose information such as names, addresses and Social Security numbers of those who respond.

The data gathered from the census helps to determine how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments. It is important that everyone responds so that the proper amount of money is allocated.

The U.S. Census Road Tour has traveled across the country to educate citizens about the importance of the census.

It will continue to go through the rest of the country as well as Puerto Rico and Hawaii. The tour will also make stops at the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 7, and NCAA Final Four.

Photo by Suzie Hunter