PLEASE NOTE: The U.S. Census Bureau has issued a statement updating its “plans to collect and process 2020 Census data…to accelerate the completion of data collection.” The new self-response deadline is now Sept. 30, and not Oct. 31 as originally published in the 08/05/2020 edition of The Laker/Lutz News.
The United States Census has extended the 2020 Census self-response deadline to Sept. 30, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Census is a nationwide population count taken every 10 years, and an accurate count allows states to be fairly represented congressionally, and allows local jurisdictions a fair share of funding for programs and services that residents rely on.
As of the beginning of July, Pasco County had counted about 60% percent of its households, according to a Pasco County news release.
Pasco County’s goal is 100% participation, as it has seen exceptional growth over the past decade, and needs the funding to support the communities and citizens it serves, the release says.
An undercount can result in millions of dollars of lost federal funding Pasco County services, including libraries; schools and school meal programs; hospitals and health programs; housing assistance; fire departments; roads and highways; community centers; and public transportation.
The Census survey collects basic statistical information. It does not ask for Social Security numbers, citizenship status, or any other sensitive personal information.
Census responses are secure, confidential and protected by law – no personal information can be shared with anyone, including other government agencies.
For additional security information, visit tinyurl.com/y74uu2ym.
It takes about 10 minutes to answer the survey.
The Census is available online at My2020Census.gov, over the phone and by mail, making participation easy.
Published August 05, 2020
