Complete Count Committee shares importance of accurate Census numbers in 2020
Head count begins March 12
DEMING – The Luna County Complete Count Committee reminds residents that the U.S. Constitution requires that every 10 years we count every person living in the country. Data from the census are used to divide over $800 billion Federal dollars for important services in New Mexico and Luna County, like schools, libraries, food stamps, and health care over the next 10 years.
Data from the census are used to divide up political representation in Congress, in your state capitol, and in cities and towns across New Mexico. A complete count means fair representation for your community.
For the next 10 years the 2020 Census of our population will determine dollar$ for:
• Public schools and school lunches in Luna County Public Schools
• Medicare, Medicaid, and our hospital, Mimbres Memorial Hospital
• Health centers such as Ben Archer or Dept. of Health and their WIC & FIT programs
• Our roads and highways, clean water and wastewater projects
• Placement of fire stations, police stations, schools, emergency preparedness departments
It’s always confidential. Your information is never shared or publicly released.
Starting March 12, 2020, easily fill out your short census form by computer, phone, or on paper by mail.
The 2020 Census is fast approaching and it’s important for you and your community to respond to ensure an accurate and complete count. Responding is easier than ever. For the first time, people will be able to respond to the census online on April 1. The census asks a few questions and takes a few minutes to respond.
What is the Census?
The Census is required by the U.S. Constitution and goes to extraordinary lengths to make sure everyone is counted once, only once, and in the right place. The census is conducted every 10 years and counts everyone who lives in your home, including children and newborn babies, citizens and non-citizens. Responses to the 2020 Census shape how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to states and local communities. Census data determines how public funds are spent for new schools, healthcare, and fire and emergency services. An accurate count also determines how many seats your state received in Congress and data guides how state and local officials redraw boundaries for districts like congressional districts, state legislative districts, and school districts.
The Census and New Mexico
Historically, New Mexico has been one of the most under-counted states in the nation. As a result, the state has not been allocated the proper amount of funding, which could positively impact the state’s diverse population, particularly the Native American community.
“An accurate counting of Native Americans is particularly important because of the government-to- government relationship tribes have with the federal government,” said Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. “The federal government has treaty responsibilities to provide education, health care, housing and other services to Native Americans. Therefore, an accurate count of people from each Native American nation or tribe is essential in outlining the details of those responsibilities.”
As communities change, so do their needs. The Census paints a picture with numbers of the changing population of America and your response determines your community’s future. Shape your future.
Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-546-2611 (ext. 2606) or email@example.com.