What is the 2020 Census and Why Does it Matter?

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As mandated by the Constitution, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a nationwide population count once every 10 years. Along with determining the number of congressional seats and electoral votes for each state, this data serves as the basis for allocating nearly $900 billion in federal funds for education, housing, public safety and other vital services.

Recognizing the importance of an accurate count for schools and communities, IUSD is among many organizations supporting awareness efforts in Irvine, in advance of the 2020 census this April. California is expected to lose nearly $2,000 per person in annual federal funding as a result of undercounting, which could have significant impacts for Irvine and California as a whole.

 

What You Need to Know (from census.gov):

  • Your privacy matters.  When you respond to the Census, your answers are kept anonymous.  Answers are used only to produce statistics.  The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential.  The law ensures that your private information is never published and that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.
  •  There are three ways to respond to the Census.  By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census and you will be given the option to respond online, by phone or by mail.
  • Avoid scams.  The Census Bureau will never send you unsolicited emails, ask for your social security number, bank account or credit card numbers, or for money or donations.
  •  Get involved.  You can partner, spread the word, and/or work for the Census Bureau.

For more information and resources, visit census.gov.