Roanoke County is working in cooperation with the U.S. Census Bureau to help raise awareness about the 2010 U.S. Census. The County, like other localities, has formed a Complete Count Committee – a group of county and school employees and citizens dedicated to encouraging residents to complete and return the census forms that will be arriving in mailboxes this month.
It is in everyone’s best interest to make sure an accurate census is taken so that communities can receive representation and funding according to their population base. Federal dollars to local communities are based on population; the higher a community’s population, the more money a locality receives. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Roanoke County benefitted from $292,861,994 in federal funding in 2008. That’s approximately $3,222.97 per Roanoke County resident or $7,593.98 per household. This information, as well as additional details about the census and a direct link to the U.S. Census Bureau’s website, can be found on Roanoke County’s website www.RoanokeCountyVa.gov.
The U.S. Census Bureau counts every person in the United States every ten years, as required by the Constitution. Census data are used to determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and directly affect how federal funds are distributed to state, local, and tribal governments. These funds, totaling more than $400 billion, may be used for hospitals, senior centers, schools, emergency services, bridges and tunnels, or other public projects.
In December, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation declaring their support of the U.S. Census efforts. Since that time, the County’s Complete Count Committee has worked to raise awareness by making group presentations, circulating flyers, and placing posters in high-traffic areas. Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) and segments dedicated to educating the public about the 2010 Census are also airing on Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV-Channel 3).
Information about the census has also been included in the County’s various newsletters. This year’s census form will be mailed in March and includes 10 short questions pertaining to the individuals who live at the mail recipient’s residence as of April 1, 2010. The form is to be completed and returned in a postage paid envelope. It cannot be completed online. All personal data provided to the Census Bureau are protected under federal law.
Interestingly, two extremely influential people in American and census history were residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Widely considered the father of the census, Virginia resident and fourth President of the United States, James Madison, advocated in Congress for accurate data so the legislature could more effectively govern the country. Thomas Jefferson, the third president, managed the first census in 1790 in his capacity as Secretary of State for President George Washington. Our founders understood that the census could become an important instrument to ensure fairness as our democracy evolved.
