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Fill in Your Census Form, Fill in our Future

Once a decade, the federal government must count every individual living in the United States as required by the Constitution and it does so through the Census. The goal is full participation regardless of age, race, religion or immigration status - everyone must participate. It is important that everyone participates because the Census directly affects the distribution of more than $400 billion in federal funding annually, including funding for health care, education and social service programs. Each person counted means another $1400 in federal program funds allocated to our community.

Census data are also the sole criterion for the allotment of congressional seats by state (reapportionment) and factors significantly into the drawing of congressional, state and local districts (redistricting). Your participation in the Census is easy, secure and vital. All U.S. households will be mailed the form in March 2010. Every household is required to return the completed census form by April 1, 2010.

Why should you fill out the 2010 Census Form?

• Census data is directly related to our community's political empowerment. For example it is the sole criterion to determine how many seats in the U.S. House of Representatives each state gets (reapportionment) and factors significantly into the drawing of congressional, state and local districts (redistricting).
• Census data also directly affects how more than $400 billion federal funding is allocated yearly to communities for schools, transportation, public health and other vital social programs, such as English-language education and job training.
• Local community organizations use Census data to apply for funding from private and public sources for the services they provide, such as English language classes and job training.
• New schools and resources for education are built based on the population of children in an area.
• Census data will tell businesses that serve the Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian communities where to expand.
• Hospitals and other medical providers will bring on-board specific Asian language services based in part on Census data. Enclosed are resources for you, your family and friends to better understand the importance of participating and the basics about the Census 2010.

This includes:

• Samples of the 10 questions asked on the form
• How to obtain language assistance
• Samples to translated materials and testimonials and
• Other educational materials

Your participation in the census is easy, secure and vital.