Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
7 <br /> Orange County <br /> Board of County Commissioners Meeting <br /> March 16, 2010 <br /> Why Do We Take the Census? <br /> •It is required by law and mandated by The U.S. Constitution. <br /> Helps paint a portrait of America, an evolution over the past 10-years and what's needed for the <br /> next decade. <br /> State population totals must be submitted to the President by December 31, 2010. <br /> What Happens if You Don't Respond? <br /> •The law makes it a crime not to respond and can carry a fine up to $5,000. <br /> •However, this is a last resort and the Census Bureau prefers to encourage response by <br /> explaining its importance. <br /> How is it Used? <br /> •Determines congressional seats. <br /> •Defines where jobs and job programs are needed. <br /> •Helps potential homeowners research property values and other demographic information. <br /> •Corporations use data for market research to determine locations for food stores, pharmacies <br /> and other services. <br /> How is it Used (Cont.)? <br /> •Census data are used to distribute over$400 billion in federal funds to local, state and <br /> tribal governments each year. <br /> —Grants to educational agencies (school districts) <br /> —Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) (food grants) <br /> —Head Start programs <br /> —Public transportation <br /> —Road rehabilitation and construction <br /> —Programs for the elderly <br /> —Emergency food and shelter <br /> —And more! <br /> Will the 2010 Census <br /> be the same as 2000? <br /> No, there are important changes: <br /> •2010 Census will be short form only-just 10 questions (Long form is now the American <br /> Community Survey). <br /> •13 million bilingual questionnaires (English/Spanish). <br />