Starting next month, everyone living in Tucson (and across the rest of the US) will receive an invitation in the mail to take the 2020 Census. As part of our Constitution (Article 1, Section 2), our government must take an official census of US citizens every 10 years. This began as far back as 1790. And, since they included it as part of the first article of our Constitution, obviously our founding fathers felt this was extremely important. However, this represents more than just a governmental headcount. It's extremely important that you respond when you receive your invitation.
2020 Census Info for Tucson Residents
Why Should I Respond to the Census?
The census determines the number of seats each state receives in the House of Representatives. Data collected from the census also helps determine how much our city and state receive in federal funding for the next 10 years. This money funds road projects, public schools, medical facilities and local emergency services (fire, police, etc.) among other things. When you refuse to respond to the 2020 Census, you lessen the amount of money our city receives for these services.
How Can I Respond to the 2020 Census?
For the first time ever, residents can fill out their census form either online, via phone or through the mail. Each form should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. As soon as you receive your invitation in the mail (between March 12th and 20th), you may complete your form in any of the three manners listed above. The deadline for completion is April 1st.
Census Questions
On this form, they ask about the number of people that live in your home, the age and sex of each person, how many kids (if any) live there, and the race of each individual. They also ask what type of property you live in (single-family home, apartment, manufactured home) and whether you own or rent your property. You must provide your phone number so that the census takers can contact you if they need further clarification about your answers.
One question that will not be asked on the census is whether you are a citizen or not. Yes, non-citizens will be asked to fill out the census. But any information the Census Bureau receives is strictly confidential and will not be shared with law enforcement officials. The data collected helps determine how much money goes to local programs to help all residents of the US, no matter their official citizenship status.
If you have any questions about this year's official census, please visit the 2020 Census website here. Filling it out won't hurt you. However, it could cost billions of dollars less for local services and programs if you don't fill it out.
Rebecca Schulte, Schulte Real Estate Group, Your Source for Tucson Real Estate
