Census Helps Determine State, Federal Government Representation, Guides Federal Investment Decisions
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a news conference call as he urges Ohioans to fill out their 2020 census, which helps determine federal and state representation, allocate federal resources and guide decisions about federal funding for local communities, including money for schools, highways and hospitals. Ohioans can visit my2020census.gov to fill out their census and learn more.
“The census determines how billions of dollars in federal funds will be distributed. And federal, state, and local programs all use census data for health care services, housing, education, transportation, and so much more. For Ohio to get the resources our communities need, we have to make sure every single Ohioan is counted. It’s particularly important for places that too often get overlooked in Washington,” said Brown.
Brown was joined on today’s call by Ms. Rose Simmons, an Ohio-based Partnership Coordinator for the Census Bureau, to discuss the importance of the 2020 census to the state.
“Your response shapes decisions about how public funds are spent for schools, fire and emergency services, and healthcare for your community. Responses to the 2020 census shape how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed annually to local communities. The census has always been a record of our history. The 2020 census will shape a roadmap for our future,” said Ms. Simmons.
In March, Ohioans should have received initial information on how to complete the 2020 census. In the coming months, census takers will follow up with Ohioans who have not yet responded to the census to make sure all Ohioans are counted.
The deadline for the 2020 census is Oct. 31.
While the work of census takers has been altered slightly due to COVID-19 to protect workers and Ohio households, census takers will be reaching out to Ohioans to let them know they can respond safely online, by phone or by mail.