Return census forms now

Census forms were delivered by the U.S. Postal Service two weeks ago and are due back this week or as soon as possible. While there is no specific deadline, those residents who do not complete and return a 2010 Census form within two weeks of receiving it will receive a replacement form.

If no form is mailed back, residents can expect a personal visit from a census taker some time in April. The census taker will ask you the questions on the form, record your answers and then submit the form for your household.

An accurate count of the U.S. population forms the basis for many important decisions on political, economic and social issues. Census information affects the numbers of seats your state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives and census data is used to advocate for many causes such as rescuing disaster victims, preventing diseases and market research.

An accurate count of residents can provide bettter infrastructure and more government services. The information the census collects helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding is spent each year on infrastructure and services like:

• Hospitals • Job training centers • Schools

• Senior centers

• Bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects

• Emergency services

Participation isn’t just important—it’s mandatory. Remember, if you don’t return the very simple form, a census taker will call. All census information is confidential.

For information call 800- 923-8282.