Census 2020

Be Counted in 2020! Me +3

Census Day — the kickoff of the decennial U.S. Census — is April 1, 2020. It is the day that we say as a community: “We Count in MN!”

The Census is about you. Every ten years, the government counts every member of your community to decide how much money it needs for services, resources, and infrastructure updates. More than $675 billion in federal funds are distributed back to states and local communities using Census data — for things like health care, jobs, schools, roads, and small businesses.

It’s time to take back our Census! Take the Me +3 pledge and commit to being counted in the 2020 census (and getting 3 friends/family members/neighbors to do the same!).

Common Cause Minnesota is ordinary Minnesotans working together to lift our voices and exercise the power of our votes.  Minnesota is better when everyone counts!

Why does Minnesota participate in the Census?

States are mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution to participate in the census every 10 years. The data collected determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and the state House. The data also are used as an economic tool by industries assessing where to invest, scale back or explore expansion. Federal and state government agencies rely on Census results to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities.

 

What is the Minnesota Census Mobilization Partnership?

The Minnesota Census Mobilization Partnership (the Partnership) is a cross-sector collaborative of organizations and individuals advocating for policies and resources to achieve the goal of fully inclusive, honest and accurate 2020 Census in Minnesota. Join the Partnership.

Minnesota is a step ahead of other states in preparing for a complete count in the 2020 Census. This is due in large part to the leadership of Minnesota Council of Foundations (MCF) and the Minnesota Census Mobilization Partnership, which Common Cause Minnesota co-chairs.

 

Tools To help the Minnesota Census Mobilization Partnership

The Minnesota Census effort has provided resources to help individuals encourage others to participate in the census.

  • Motivator tool  will help you write a personalized message and back it up with monthly texts.
  • Flyers will give you the availability to promote the census on the ground in your local communities.

 

What is the census information used for?

Census data guides the allocation of approximately $589 billion to local communities every year. Locally, it is used by private and public agencies, organizations, businesses, and institutions to help determine where to build new:

  • schools
  • roads
  • health care facilities/hospital emergency services
  • child-care and senior centers.
  • grocery/convenience/retail stores
  • open/close bus routes
  • recruit employees
  • locate new factories

The data also are used to shape congressional and state legislative districts. Learn how chambers of commerce and other organizations in our state use census data.

 

Can Immigration and Customs Enforcement Use Census Data?

No, according to census.gov “Your responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure, and protected by federal law.Your answers can only be used to produce
statistics—they cannot be used against you in any way. By law, all responses to U.S. Census Bureau household and business surveys are kept completely confidential.

 

 

 

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