United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties: Shape our future. Answer the 2020 Census.
Most people know United Way for bringing people together and raising funds to solve our community obtaining a complete count for the 2020 Census.
Our region will shape the next 10 years. An under-counted population would lead to less federal money for important programs needed by our community. For every person not counted, we lose $2,300 per year for the next decade, affecting 130+ Federal programs.
The census is more than just a population count. It will help determine our future. That why our local United Way is joining community leaders and organizations in the Benton Franklin Complete Count Committee to get an accurate count of everyone living in our bi-county region.
Census data affects our community every day. If you drive to work, you should know that the census results influence highway planning and construction, as well as grants for Ben Franklin Transit.
If your kids attend school, our census results help determine how much money is available for Head Start, school breakfast and lunch programs, college student loans and for grants that support teachers and special education.
Our census data also helps businesses decide where to open or expand new stores, restaurants and offices, and where new housing is needed. It also helps determine federal funding for small business support and loans.
Census results help us get resources to respond to natural disasters; to expand local health care and fire departments, Medicaid, food and housing for low income families and seniors; and for programs to support rural areas, prevent child abuse, support foster kids and crime victims, and more.
Knowing that the census guides this funding for our community is the most important reason to complete it.
Responding is easy and takes only about 10 minutes. You can complete the census through a secure .gov website, by phone or by mail.
If you are filling out the census for your home, count everyone who is living there as of April 1. Make sure you count any friends or family members who are living in your home most of the time, including roommates and young children (including foster children and grandchildren).
Completing the census is safe and secure. The answers you provide are only used to produce statistics that help governments distribute tax dollars and plan for future services. The Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. In fact, every employee takes an oath to protect your information for life. The Census Bureau cannot release any information about you, your home or your business, even to law enforcement agencies, the IRS or immigration services. The law ensures that your answers cannot be used against you by any government agency or court.
Here are tips to avoid scams: The Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails or phone calls. They will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers, or money or donations. They will not contact you on behalf of a political party.
If someone visits your home to collect a census response, check to make sure that they have an ID badge with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. You can even call to check that their ID number is legitimate. They will never ask to come inside your home.
Remember, each person uncounted equals $2,300 per year, for the next 10 years for our community.
Help ensure a complete and accurate count. Visit https://www.census.gov/ today to complete your response and help shape our future in Benton and Franklin counties.
This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 5:01 PM with the headline "United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties: Shape our future. Answer the 2020 Census.."