Timely census data return means a fair share

The Paris News
March 11, 2010

The census count rolls around once every 10 years, and this is that year.

A press release from the U.S. Census Bureau states: 'As required by the U.S. Constitution, the once-a-decade census must count every person living in the United States. Census data are the basis for our democratic system of government, ensuring that representation in government is equally distributed. The data also help determine how more than $400 billion in federal funds are distributed to state local and tribal governments every year. That includes money that could go toward roads, hospitals, schools and critical social services."

The City of Paris put together a Complete Count Committee in an effort to get as many residents to reply as possible. The previous count - taken in 2000 - estimates only 60 percent responded to the census.

The Complete Count Committee has designed an informative program to relate how the information is used to bring federal funds to the area and alleviate concerns people may have on how the data gathered is used - including confidentiality and security.

This group is willing to bring their presentation to any group or organization who requests it. For information on the Complete Count Committee, call Mindy Moree at the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce at 903-784-2501.

The $400 billion in federal funds are tax dollars collected from those who work, purchase products, conduct business and go about their daily lives within the United States. Responding to the census in a timely manner helps to ensure those federal funds are returned to assist communities in many different areas.

The more residents who are shown to live here, the more opportunity the community has to acquire the grants that will go toward improving the quality of life here in Texas, Lamar County and the City of Paris. Filling out and returning the Census 2010 form in an accurate and timely manner is a way to make sure those who live in Northeast Texas get their fair share of taxes they have already paid.

Census forms should be showing up in mail boxes any day now. They should be completed and returned before Census Day, designated as April 1.

And as Census Bureau materials remind us: "The future of your community starts with a look into its past."