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Rep. Costa Urges All Valley Residents To Participate In Census

April 13, 2010

Four days left to mail back Census forms

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With only four days left to mail back Census forms, Congressman Costa (D-Fresno) today again called on fellow Valley residents to participate in the 2010 Census.

"Our Constitution requires a population census every 10 years," said Costa. "An accurate census count is critical to ensuring our Valley receives the funding we need to invest in key areas like education, transportation, and infrastructure. Our schools, libraries, community centers and so many other important programs rely on Census results."


The results of the Census will determine how more than $445 billion in federal funds – for everything from schools to roads to senior centers – are distributed to state, local, and tribal governments over the next decade. It also affects representation in Congress and the Electoral College.


There's still time to fill out the Census form and mail it back by April 16. It costs the government just .42 cents to receive a questionnaire back in the mail, but costs taxpayers $57 if a census taker has to go out to a house to collect the same information. If every household mailed back their census form, taxpayers could reduce the cost of the census and save $1.5 billion.


The 2010 Census is one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of only ten questions. The Census is conducted every ten years and consists of questions about the number of people living in your home and some demographic information about them.


"I hope you all join me in filling out the Census form," added Costa. "It is vital to making sure our communities, schools, and families benefit from their fair share of funding."
If individuals do not receive a form they can request one by calling the federal Census Bureau at 1‐866‐872‐6868 or by contacting their local offices below:

Bakersfield
Olive Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93311
Phone: 661-695-4260

Fresno
North Blackstone Avenue
Fresno, CA 93701
Phone: 559-650-0660