Local leaders react to importance of the census

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By: NANCY DUPLECHAIN
Associate Editor

The 2020 Census began in April, but workers who go door-to-door were put on a four-month delay due to the pandemic. They are out again, knocking on doors, trying to get the best headcount possible before the September 30th deadline. Mailers were sent out earlier this year, and residents were given the chance to answer the census questions online. It is mandated in the U.S. Constitution that the country count its population once every decade.
Counting was supposed to be finished by July, but because of the pandemic, that deadline was pushed back to October 31st, then it was moved up to September 30th. The decision to shorten the counting by one month was not made by the U.S. Census Bureau, but Bureau director, Steven Dillingham, confirmed it was made by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who oversees the bureau. According to the Inspector General’s report on the accelerated schedule, it “increases the risks to the accuracy of the 2020 Census.” Thursday, a federal judge in California ruled to extend the deadline to October 31st. 95% of households have been counted so far, but the Bureau’s goal is to count 99% of households.
In essence, the 2020 Census will provide a snapshot of the country which will help lawmakers and others make critical decisions over the next decade. The U.S. Census Bureau provides population counts for state legislatures or independent bipartisan commissions to adjust or redraw electoral districts, based on where populations have increased or decreased. The data provided will also help determine which communities need new clinics, roads, and schools. It will also aid in deciding where hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated to communities for hospitals, fire departments, and over 100 programs, including Head Start, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), block grants for mental health services, and many others.
Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine said of the significance of the Census, “The census is very, very important to the city. It is vitally important that the city is counted properly. The census numbers determine the population of our city. The census numbers determine the amount of federal dollars awarded for roads, infrastructure, schools, government programs for the low-income, elderly and disabled, and other public services. Census numbers also help determine the number of US Congressional districts in the state.” She pleaded with residents to complete their 2020 Census “for your children, for your city, for your parish, and for yourself,” adding, “Let’s get counted!”
Libraries also benefit from census data. Evangeline Parish Public Library Outreach Director Suzy Lemoine said, “The importance of the Federal Census that occurs every 10 years is of utmost importance for cultural enrichment programs to continue to be offered through our Evangeline parish libraries. Both federal and state grant funding decisions utilize the census figures to decide funding amounts for each region of our State. If the numbers are low then the funding is low. In Evangeline Parish our libraries are funded by a property tax that takes care of all of the basic services that are offered like buildings, staff, books, etc., but it’s federal and state grant funding that enable libraries to bring the fun to our patrons! Summer Reading entertainers, cultural events like BookFest, guest speakers, extra computers, and improved internet access are some examples of opportunities that are enjoyed in our parish in great part because of grant funding. That means that your participation in this 2020 Census is also of utmost importance!”
The census does not just count the number of people in a community, though. Other questions include home ownership and race. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the rates of homeownership serve as one indicator of the nation’s economy. They also help with administering housing programs, planning, and decision-making. Asking a person’s race helps federal agencies monitor compliance with anti-discrimination provisions, such as those in the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act.
The race question could provide valuable benefits to Louisiana’s Cajuns and Creoles, however they would have to list themselves as such in order to be counted. The more people who count themselves as Cajun and Creole would allow for more federal grant money to be used for arts and humanities programs which highlight and explore the rich cultural heritage of these ethnicities. On the Census Bureau website, their explanation of the race question does not list Creole, but it does list Cajun. “Cajun” is under the category “White.” White Cajuns may check off the Cajun box. However, the United States, including Louisiana, is a melting pot of ethnicities. In this case, Cajuns of color, and Creoles who are white or of color, may enter their detailed identity in the “Some Other Race” write-in area.
The census is of great importance to rural communities. According to the Census Bureau’s website, at last count, 13.4 million children under the age of 18 lived in rural areas across the U.S. The 2020 Census will help update that picture, illustrating the number of children across the country, and where exactly they are living. These results can make a direct impact on children’s lives, shaping resources for health insurance programs, hospitals, child care, food assistance, schools, and early childhood development programs.
Evangeline Parish School Board Superintendent Darwan Lazard said of the census, “Participation in the U.S. Census is very important to schools in the Evangeline Parish School District, since much of our funding is based upon enrollment population. Federal resources are often allocated based upon formulas that are tied to census data. Services that impact schools and students, such as the internet, roads/highways, etc. are all impacted by the numbers reported in the census.” He added, “Rural communities, such as ours, will be short-changed or left out when federal and state funds are distributed if we are undercounted or not counted at all in the 2020 Census.”
Evangeline Parish Police Jury President Ryan LeDay Williams said, “Responding to the 2020 Census is not only our civic duty; it is so we get the most accurate information possible. The 2020 Census affects the amount of funding our community receives.” He stressed the benefits of being counted which aids in federal funding, and also said businesses will find value in the census as well. Business owners rely on data to make decisions on where to open new stores, factories, offices, restaurants, where to expand operations and recruit employees, and which services and products to offer. Williams added, “With accurate census information, citizens can be afforded the opportunity to earn an honest living for their families.” On a side note, Williams said, “The year 2020 has caused hardships throughout the entire world, especially having to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, an economic downturn, and an active hurricane season.”
The census may be filled out online at www.2020census.gov, but even if you have entered your information, a census worker may still visit to verify your address or response. Residents are encouraged to cooperate as the workers ensure an accurate count.
The U.S. Census Bureau will never ask for your Social Security number, money or donations, anything on behalf of a political party, or your bank or credit card account numbers. Additionally, there is no citizenship question on the 2020 Census. They are bound by law to keep your information confidential. The Bureau warns if someone claiming to be from the Census Bureau contacts you via email or phone and asks you for one of these things, it is a scam, and you should not cooperate. A real census worker will show their government ID.