The Blog

Governor Chris Gregoire

04/16/10

I want to encourage you to take a few moments to fill out your 2010 Census form. It is important that every household complete the Census form and every individual gets counted.

The Census form contains 10 questions that should take about 10 minutes to complete. Most of you should have received a Census form by now -- please fill it in and mail it back in the postage-paid envelope provided.

Why is it so important that you fill out your Census form? Each person means dollars to the community and determines the number of seats that Washington State will receive in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Census data is used to help distribute $300-$400 billion in federal funds back to state and local governments each year. Washington could lose $800 each year for every Washingtonian who is not counted.

Also, a correct count ensures proportional representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Washington may be in line for an additional U.S. Representative if our population is large enough.

The information you provide is confidential. By law, the Census cannot share your answers with anyone, even other agencies. If you are worried about the confidentiality of the information that you provide, you have nothing to fear. The information provided to the Census is absolutely confidential and will not be shared with any other government entity such as immigration, homeland security, or the IRS.

If you did not receive a form, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 1-866-872-6868. The lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week from February 25 through July 30, 2010.

The Office of Financial Management's Census 2010 website provides Census 2010 information for the public, 2010 state assisted projects, the census data release schedule, and important links to additional Census 2010 information. Please visit this site for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.