RivCo Officials Begin 2010 Census Campaign
Posted on March 04, 2010 by Southwest Riverside News Network
According to Census Bureau officials, for every person counted, $1,200 in federal funds goes to local agencies for a range of services.
Riverside County officials began the county’s 2010 Census awareness campaign today, releasing a bilingual video emphasizing the importance of taking part in the population count.
“It’s absolutely crucial that we count as many of our residents as possible,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Marion Ashley. “We can’t afford to miss out on better roads and schools, programs that protect children and the elderly — the list goes on and on.”
According to Census Bureau officials, for every person counted, $1,200 in federal funds goes to local agencies for a range of services.
“In a down economy, a full census count is more important than ever before,” said Robin Lowe, chair of the Western Riverside Council of Governments’ Executive Committee.
“Our residents can make a huge financial difference for Riverside County by ensuring that they complete and return their census forms.”
The forms consist of 10 questions that officials estimate will take the average person about 10 minutes to complete. Residents should receive their census packets shortly.
Census estimates help determine the size and location of Congressional districts, as well as representation in the Legislature, officials said.
About 21,000 Riverside County residents were not counted in the 2000 census, according to an estimate from the California Department of Finance.
The Board of Supervisors declared March Census Month in Riverside County.
The video released today explains the need for census participation and can be located at www.countyofriverside.us and www.rccensus.org.
