Letter to the Editor: Residents urged to be counted

Dear Editor,

Results of Census 2020 are vital to the equal distribution of funds for our community as our share can be used in various ways to help and improve our community. The estimated cost of a single uncounted resident is estimated to be at least $19,100 over a decade in just the 16 largest federal programs

that distriute federal tax dollars back to the state. These figures are pre-COVID-19 and do not

include funds the state distributes as well. The resulting lost opportunity cost is likely to be

considerably more.

Yet, many residents in our area have not responded to the 2020 Census at this time. In our area, 64% of households have responded to the Census. We risk losing funding this next decade for programs such as highway construction, school programs, public housing and elder care. A low census count from our community may also impact our ability to attract the businesses we

need in the future to help our community continue to thrive and prosper.

But you can make a difference! Respond to the Census today. It is easy, even if you don’t have a Census ID on hand. Begin by going to my2020census.gov. Click on the blue box and reads ‘Start Questionnaire.” When prompted to login in, scroll down and click on the words “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.” From there follow the instructions, enter your address and proceed to the census reporting. Every household responds to the Census. We need 100% response!

What else can we do?

● When communicating with your friends and neighbors, ask them – “Hey have you responded to the Census yet? Do you know how important this is to our community?”

● When checking with elderly that do not have a computer, consider offering to respond online with their permission or have them on the phone verifying the information required as you type it in to my2020Census.gov.

The census information is completely confidential. Identifying information does not come back to the community or state, your landlord, medical facilities, etc., nor can any identifying information be shared with any federal governmental agency beyond the Census Bureau.

Please know your personal information on the census is very closely protected. Census workers and Census Bureau employees take a life-time oath of confidentiality, and there is a highly significant fine and possible jail time if the information is shared.  North Dakota and our community need your participation in the census. Please complete the census today online, by phone, or on a paper copy that will arrive at your home. Let’s take care of our community.

Senator Joan Heckaman

Senate Minority Leader

District 23

New Rockford, N.D.