How She Does It

Everyone counts! Every 10 years, we have an opportunity to represent Stockton, California. Don’t miss your chance!

The U.S. Census survey can be completed now! Take a look at the current completion rate across the nation and for your state here – Response Rate.

Since 1790, The United States Census Bureau has collected information from the U.S. population to analyze data and explain trends which affect our people and economy. The U.S. is certainly a complex society. With the research from this data, agencies are able to better understand our dynamics and propose solutions to some of our most complex issues. There are several surveys conducted periodically, such as the Economic Census and the American Community Survey. There’s also many special reports which give insight to trends. You can check all the info on their website.

You’re likely most familiar with the upcoming Decennial Census of Population and Housing, commonly referred to as The Census.

The Census is a very important survey completed every 10 years (decennial). It is a vitally important survey because it will count each resident of this country where they currently live on April 1. It’s a U.S. Constitution requirement! The mandate is a one-by-one counting method in order to determine how to appropriate vital services from congressional representatives to millions of dollars in government funding. The Census states that data collected will impact the following areas –

• It determines how to distribute $675+ billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year for:
  • Neighborhood improvements
  • Public health
  • Education
  • Transportation
• It defines legislature districts, school district assignment areas and other important functional areas of government
• It assists with planning decisions for community services for the elderly, build new roads and schools, and locate job training centers
• The Age Search information helps to determine factors for qualifying for Social Security and other retirement benefits, passport applications, proving relationship in settling estates, and even researching family history or a historical topic in the National Archives

Why Stockton will need help to be counted in the Census 2020

Stockton is among several cities considered “Hard-To-Count” due to various demographic reasons. An under-count can cost the city hundreds of dollars per person annually. This means less funding for important services and improvements for our city. The U.S. Census states these reasons why Stockton is at risk for an under-count –

• Households receiving public assistance: About one-half of a hard-to-count population lives in tracts where the percentage of households are receiving public assistance
• Other leading reasons: Unemployment; people living close-to-or-below the poverty line; non-high school graduates; households without broadband subscriptions

Adding to these reasons could be general fear and uncertainty about the census. It’s important to understand that “under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information… to law enforcement agencies” such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Did you know that if personnel were to release information they would be penalized up to $250, 000 and could serve 5 years in prison? Protecting our data is taken very seriously.

You can help Stockton count in the Census 2020 by becoming a Census Taker for your community. Read more about the opportunity here.

What you can expect from Census 2020

• Households will receive a mailed invitation to complete the survey in mid-March 2020.
• You can respond online, by mail, or by phone as soon as you get the invitation. Go to Respond Online on the Census.gov website.
• You’ll receive a reminder by mail to complete the census between late-March and end of April 2020.
• Census Takers will follow up with ONLY those who have not completed their survey between June and July 2020.

Make Stockton count in the Census 2020!

This is the first time I’ve really looked into the Census. I’m learning how important it is! The data collected impacts many areas of our daily lives. I’ll share its impact on education, our families, our local economy, and of course politics. What questions do you have about the census?