March 5, 2020
In March 2020, every household in America will receive an invitation to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. If you are a student going to college in Montana and living off campus, you should be counted as a Montana resident, because unlike your on campus classmates, you haven’t been counted through campus housing.
The Census is a count of everyone residing in the United States including all 50 States, Washington D.C., and the U.S. territories. In May, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin following up in person with households that have yet to respond. It only takes 10 minutes to answer 9 simple questions that will shape your community for the next 10 years. Your response to the 2020 Census is safe, secure, confidential, and protected by federal law.
Census data affects funding for college tuition, grant, and loan programs. Census data is also critical for student and faculty reports, research, and statistical profiles. It helps understand where the next generation of workers is coming from, which will influence college degrees and programs, and guide students in their career choices. Achieving a complete and accurate 2020 Census shapes the future of students, campuses, educators, and communities.
Montana receives more than $2 billion every year in federal funding that is allocated to our state based on census data. It is estimated that for every Montana resident we count, the state will receive $20,000 back in federal funds over the next decade. Montana is spending just $0.09 per resident on promotion, so it is critical to spread the word for the state to receive its fair share.
Census data affects your voice in Congress as well by determining how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Projections show Montana could gain a U.S. House Representative in Congress with an accurate count.
The 2020 Census will create thousands of temporary jobs across the country. To find out more or to apply, visit https://census.mt.gov/Census-Jobs.
Be on the lookout this March for your invitation to complete the 2020 Census. For more information, please visit https://census.mt.gov/, www.facebook.com/MontanaCensus2020/, or call 406-841-2740.
