2010 Census Cautionary Note

Census Time - Federal Funds At Risk, Some Money Available

Written by James Spencer    January 3, 2010

As you know the federal government relies on census data to determine the number of congressional seats each state is entitled to.  Current population estimates suggest that for the first time in its 159 year history, California could lose a congressional seat. 

Equally important to counties, Washington uses the census data to allocate billions of dollars in funding for health and human services programs, education, and infrastructures projects.  It is estimated that for every person counted, $1000 in federal money is allocated. 

A complete and accurate count is critical to ensuring California gets its fair share of funding.  California counties need to take the lead in their communities to ensure a complete and accurate count.

The 2010 census is fast approaching and National Census Day is April 1, 2010.  In an effort to aid census outreach efforts, the California Complete Count Committee, appointed by the Governor, announced on December 23, 2009 the availability of $1 million to fund County Complete Count Committees in the top 13 hardest to count counties. 

Hard to count refers to people and communities shown to be most at risk of being missed in the census; California is home to 10 of the 50 hardest to count counties in the country. 

The top 13 hard to count counties were ranked based on their share of the Census 2000 undercount, the counties identified are:  Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Alameda, Santa Clara, Sacramento, Fresno, San Francisco, Kern, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin.  The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) will contact each County Complete Count Committee.  OPR staff will review the outreach plans submitted by each county and allocate funds in early 2010.

CSAC is represented on the state’s California Complete Count Committee and is committed to spreading the census message: Be Californian, Be Counted.   The 2010 census will be one of the shortest in history: just 10 questions that will take only 10 minutes to complete.  All responses are confidential.  Please take a moment to review additional information at CaliforniaCompleteCount.org.

Paul McIntosh, Executive Director
California State Association of Counties

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau.

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a hand held device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice.

Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.

The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by email, so be on the lookout for email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.