By Mary O’KEEFE

The U.S. Census Bureau continues to reach out to people living within the United States to complete their survey. 

The U.S. Constitution requires that every 10 years a census will be conducted to count the population. The first census was in 1790, shortly after George Washington became President. The census steadily expanded through the 19th century and, by the turn of the century, the demographic, agricultural and economic segments of the decennial census collected information on hundreds of topics, according to the US Census Bureau.

  “The census is important,” said Avianna Uribe, Office of the CEO County of Los Angeles.

The census is the guide the federal government uses when calculating not only how many representatives the state sends to Congress but the amount of federal money that will go to local communities.

This includes federal money for children and family programs, for roads, parks, emergency response and hospitals, she added.

It is important for everyone to step up and be counted.

  “I think, especially with the impact of COVID-19, it is a very powerful way [for people] to help their community,” Uribe said.

Information from the census is used in a number of areas of funding. Every person is counted but only one person per household has to complete the census for the entire household.

It is easy to respond, either by going online at census.gov and click on “The 2020 Census is Happening Now. Respond Today” or by calling (844) 330-2020 or visit https://2020census.gov/en/contact-us for non-English. Due to COVID-19, the deadline for completing the census has been pushed to Oct. 31.

“Completing the census only takes about 10 minutes and will help your community for the next 10 years. Census participation determines each community’s share of federal funding for healthcare, schools, roads and more for the next decade.

When you complete the census, make sure that everyone who lives in your household is counted. That includes all children and any extended family or friends who are living with you (regardless of immigration, citizenship, or voter registration status – everyone needs to be counted),” stated Alex Padilla, California Secretary of State.

  Mary Okeefe