Make Certain you are counted as part of the the Census

The 2010 Census will document the changes in our nation since the last decennial census in 2000,and tell us how we've evolved as a country. And, because census data affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments,the census also will frame the future of our country for the next 10 years. It is essential that everyone in the United States be counted in 2010.

At the heart of the 2010 Census outreach effort is the 10-question 2010Census form. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest census forms in history and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Households will be asked to provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages, races and relationships of others living in the household.

By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents' answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

In March 2010, households across the country will receive the form by mail or hand delivery. The initial form package, which will consist of the initial 2010 Census form, a cover letter, and a postage-paid return envelope, will be delivered in March 2010 in areas where the United States Postal Service delivers the census forms for the Census Bureau. Census workers will deliver forms March 1 through April 30, 2010 in most other areas. Responding immediately to the 2010 Census form is the most efficient way to complete the census. Census workers will visit households that do not return the forms to take a count in person.

As a Census Bureau partner, I encourage you to participate in the 2010 Census and let the country know what our community needs for the next 10 years. If for some reason you do not receive a form or do not think you have otherwise been counted, please email me at Sam-Mail@msn.com or call me at (404)707-0777 and I will make certain that you receive the appropriate form or I will arrange for a Census worker to visit with you at your home. Let's make certain we are all counted so that Fulton County and our cities receive all of the funds and assistance to which we are legally entitled.

-Sam