You have until September 30 to respond to the census!
As of September 17, Park County, Wyoming’s self-response rate was 67.3 percent. There is still time to boost that to take advantage of all the good that the census accomplishes.
Why should you respond?
- The U.S. Constitution requires a census every 10 years. So, it’s mandatory and another very good way to participate in democracy.
- It provides an accurate picture of the population of your area in order to obtain federal funding. “The distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on census data. That money is spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.” (U.S. Census Bureau)
- The Wyoming State Library System, enjoyed by so many residents, depends on its $900,000 annual funds from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) that provides electronic research resources for students and library patrons.
- It’s how redistricting and representation in Congress are determined.
- Businesses and real estate developers use it for planning their strategies.
- Nonprofit organizations use it for applying for grants.
- We know that state finances are tight, but realize that in 2016, Wyoming received more than $1 billion from federal spending programs using data from the 2010 census.
The official United States Census will never ask you for your social security number, bank account, credit card, money, or donations, nor will the Census Bureau contact you on behalf of a political party.
You can use this link for responding online, by phone, or mail:
https://2020census.gov/