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My picture in the Colorado Statesman

What Counts – The Census

“The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent term of 10 years, in such manner as they shall by Law direct.”
– Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution of the United States

That’s right: it’s not just a good idea, it’s the law. Every ten years, we have to figure out how many people live in these United States. Counting people is no simple matter. First, the Census Bureau will send out mail in March 2010 and ask nicely for people to report where they live. And many people will take ten minutes to fill out the form and send it back. Nationwide, that will be 72%. We are just a little better statewide, at 73%, and Jeffco does pretty well at 77%.

Unfortunately, those who do not mail back their form must still be counted. Remember: it’s the law. So we employ people to physically go and knock on doors to collect the information that wasn’t sent in by mail. In the Denver area, including Jeffco, those people will make $16.75 an hour, which is fair pay for what they have to do. But in tight budget times, it would be far more cost-effective for the taxpayers if those jobs were not necessary at all.

I could tell you about all the great things that the census does for our community. It is so important that we have accurate data as a society. But, the simple truth is that the census will be taken and our money will pay for it. So, when that form hits your mailbox, get it back right away. After all, it’s your money that you’re saving. And that counts.

Story in Metro North and Mile High Newspapers

The campaign is off and running. And what makes it more official than seeing it in the press?

Kathryn at Caucus

Kathryn volunteering at her Caucus on Tuesday, the 16th.