YOU MATTER MORE THAN YOU KNOW

Starting March 2, 2020, families will begin receiving the first round of invitations to complete census documents.    You will receive this information in the mail, and you can respond online, by mail, or by phone.

It is imperative to complete this data – especially in Butler County.    Those of you who have lived here for a while know how much this county has grown.    As more and more people move into the county, we need to ensure accurate data is provided to guarantee effective representation in government both at the federal and local levels.

By March 31, 2021, the Census Bureau will send redistricting counts to our state.  This information will be used to redraw legislative districts based on population changes.

The federal government uses census numbers to allocate more than $675 billion in federal funds annually for community programs and services such as education programs, housing and community development, health care services for the elderly, and job training.

State and local governments use census information for planning and allocating funds for new school construction, libraries, highway safety and public transportation systems, new roads and bridges, location of police and fire departments, and many other projects.

Community organizations use census information to develop social service programs, community action projects, senior lunch programs, and childcare centers.

The U.S. Congress uses the census totals to determine how many seats a state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, Ohio will use these numbers to allocate state and senate representation in the state legislature.

Census numbers help communities work out strategies to deal with traffic congestion or overcrowded schools. Nonprofit organizations use census numbers to estimate the number of potential volunteers in communities across the nation.

Many 911 emergency systems are based on maps developed from the last census. Census information helps health providers predict the spread of diseases through communities with children or elderly people. And when disasters hit, the census tells rescuers how many people will need their help.

There are rumors going around that we want to immediately dispel –

  • The census does not ask whether you or any resident in your home is a citizen.
  • Non-citizens ARE counted in the census.   Cities and townships often use this data to determine what volume of services such as police, fire, etc. is needed.
  • Your answers will not be shared with any law enforcement agency.   The law prevents the Census Bureau from doing so.
  • The Census Bureau will NEVER ask you for your social security number, money or donations, anything on behalf of a political party, or bank / credit card numbers.

If you have additional questions, you can call the Census Bureau 844-330-2020 from 7am – 1am.   Or you can go to their website at www.2020census.gov