Brownwood News – The November luncheon of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday featured a presentation from the U. S. Census Bureau. Susana Guerra Privett, Data Dissemination Specialist, spoke about the process for the 2020 census, and the importance of an accurate count.
In the 2010 census, Brownwood’s population came in just under 20,000. It is important for everyone to respond to the census, if Brownwood is to exceed 20,000 in population for the first time. The census affects many things, including the re-apportionment of representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, and over $675 billion in federal funds, grants, etc.
One of the first events of the 2020 census will occur in February, the Group Quarters census. That counts people in group living arrangements, away from their permanent place of residence. Examples are dormitories, military bases, nursing homes, prisons, etc.
In March, cards will be sent out to everyone. This year you can respond to the census on the paper form, online, or on your cellphone. Official Census Day is April 1. It is important to report the number of people living in your home as of April 1.
May is “Non-Response Follow Up” month. All persons and households who do not respond to the census in March and April will be contacted in person by a Census Bureau representative. Ms. Privett emphasized that unethical and fraudulent actors may try to take advantage of the census, and come to your door soliciting personal information. All Census Bureau representatives will have appropriate Census Bureau photo identification. If you are not sure that the person at your door is a valid Census Bureau representative, do not talk to them. You can call 800-923-8282 for verification.
The preliminary census count is required to be reported to the President by December 31, 2020.
The Census Bureau will be hiring extra employees to help with the 2020 census. If you are interested, apply online at: 2020census.gov/jobs. The jobs feature great pay, flexible hours, weekly pay, and paid training. For more information you can call 1-855-JOB-2020.
story by Mike Blagg
