The 2010 Census: The 2010 Census: An OverviewAn Overview

Purpose of the CensusPurpose of the Census

• Mandated in the U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 2, for the purpose of:– Apportionment– Redistricting– Distribution of Federal Funds

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The “Big” Picture!The “Big” Picture! April 1, 2010 is Census Day 12 Regions … Dallas is TX, LA, & MS 51 Local Census Offices

Field Operations, Partnership and Data Services deployed across TX, LA, and MS 1st major operation of 2009 already complete

2000 Census Mail Response Rates:

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Area % Response

United States 67%

Texas 64%

2010 Census Core Messages2010 Census Core Messages It’s Easy:It’s Easy:

Shortest questionnaire in Census history Seven questions: name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship,

own/rent Will take only about 10 minutes to complete

It’s Important:It’s Important: Census data directly affect how more than $300 billion per year in

federal funding is allocated The census will count all residents living in the United States on April

1, 2010 The census provides a snapshot of the nation, which helps define

who we are

It’s Safe:It’s Safe: Answers are protected by law and strictly confidential Information collected is used for statistical purposes only

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Questionnaire/Language Questionnaire/Language AssistanceAssistance

English + 5 : Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese

QAC’s are staffed by Census Bureau employees & will assist persons who may have questions or who need special language assistance

BC sites will only have questionnaires and will not be staffed.

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Hard to Count Segments of the Hard to Count Segments of the Population Population

Elderly Children/Infants Minorities (gender, race, ethnicity, etc.) Language proficiency other than English Lower Socioeconomic Standing Renters Newly Arrived Immigrants Migrant Farm/Ranch Workers & Their Families Homeless

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PartnershipsPartnerships

Federal, State, Local Governments Community-Based Organizations Faith-Based Organizations Businesses Schools (Higher Education and K-12) Media

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How How YouYou Can Help the 2010 Can Help the 2010 Census!Census!

• Offer a public endorsement of the 2010 Census via proclamation, press release

• Add 2010 Census logo, produce article in district newsletters after legislation session is out

• Participate in a Complete Count Committee and commit to census-related events

• Keep in touch with your local Partnership Team

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Thank You!Thank You!

For more information:www.census.gov/2010census