Nevadans traditionally carry a rather skeptical and cynical view of the Federal government and, with the many rumors flying around regarding the process, the every 10-year U.S. Census is one of the favorite targets of that cynicism.
Nevada U.S. Census Bureau representative David Berryman is doing his best to dispel the rumors and convince Nevadans of the importance of participating in the upcoming process.
“The people in Nevada are skeptical of the Federal Government. They are skeptical of the Federal Government’s ability to do this well and do this confidentially. We need to acknowledge that and figure out ways to take the Federal Government out of the story line and talk about people in their own community helping people in their own community,” he told the Board of Lyon County Commissioners during his August 6, 2009 presentation.
Berryman asked for their support as advocates of the 2010 Census, Berryman explained the reasons why Nevadans should participate, emphasizing, “There is no state in the country that can gain more from this Census.”
Those benefits include:
- Power – Congressional reapportionment is based on the census and Nevada’s population is on the verge of qualifying it for an additional Congressional seat. This would add one more electoral vote for Nevada. Reapportionment/redistricting of state legislative districts is also based on the population as determined by the census
- Jobs – Over 1300 employees have already been hired to assist with this Census, with a total of 4,000 predicted, at $13.50/hour.
- Money – Every Nevadan missed by the Census Bureau translates into $917 Federal dollars per person per year. These Federal dollars go to State related agencies of FEMA, NDOT, HUD, Education, Labor, Agriculture and Health & Human Services.
Maureen Williss, Lyon County Community Development Block Grant coordinator, said the County has received $4.6 million in funding, with eligibility based solely on information derived from the 2000 Census.
“It is very important. Right now, currently, from the last Census, Silver Springs was the only area-wide location that qualified for CDBG funding,” Williss said. “So it is very, very important everyone fills out the Census information.”
In response to questions, Berryman dispelled rumors to the effect the Census would be run under the auspices of the Office of the President, stating the program will be run under the direction of the Department of Commerce. He also noted the liberal activist group ACORN will have no special role in the Census survey.
He also said that the questionnaire will contain only 10 questions. No other forms, long forms or questions will be related to the Census. Information remains confidential for 72 years.
Historically, until 2000, Berryman said Nevada had one of the country’s worse response rates. While 2000 showed improvement, he hoped the 2010 would be a greater improvement.
Commissioners unanimously approved a Resolution in support of the 2010 Census.
Comparative figures for 1990, 2000 and projected 2010 Census response:
* 1990 – Total State Population - 1.2 million; Nevadans missed - 28,431 (2.30%).
* 2000 – Total State Population – 2 million; Nevadans missed – 33,570 (1.68%).
*2010 Scenario I – Est. population – 2.8 million; Nevadans missed 47,066 (1.68%) Revenue lost - $43.2 million annually.
* 2010 Scenario II – Est. Population – 2.8 million; Nevadans missed – 64,426 (2.30%) Revenue lost - $59.1 million annually.
Dates to remember:
March 10, 2010 – USPS delivers initial 2010 Census questionnaires
April 1, 2010 – Census Day recognized
April 10, 2010 – Census replacement questionnaires for those not returning their forms
