Every Texan is receiving a special letter in the mail that has the potential to bring in millions of dollars of federal funding if everyone does their part.
The U.S. Census, a national process that takes place every 10 years, has begun. For the first time, those responding to the confidential survey can do so online.
The federal government will hire an estimated 13,400 employees in Travis and Williamson counties for the Census effort.
An accurate count of Texas' population could provide the state with three more representatives in Congress. The state's caucus could climb to 39, the second-most only to California.
A Census that had 100% participation would also pay off financially for Texas and its counties.
“An accurate census is really important for the next generation,” Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell told Community Impact Newspaper. “Every federal dollar coming back to the community for the next 10 years will be decided in the next (five) months.”
Community Impact reported the state lost an estimated $3.59 billion in federal funding because of an undercount of the state’s population in 2010. The Census Bureau estimates 239,500 people were not counted. The federal government distributes $1,500 per person, impacting a number of federal programs. Programs that are particularly vulnerable provide help to low-income residents and nonprofits.
It also impacted programs that benefit local government such as the Community Block Grants.
With current growth, there is the possibility the Travis and Williamson counties would be big enough to gain a legislator. Travis County now has five and Williamson County shares one with another county. Recruiting business with an accurate Census count must also be considered. Potential companies often look at available workforce when looking to relocate and invest in a community.
“Business owners can consult that Census data to understand where to open a new location or where cities are expanding,” Austin Tech Alliance Executive Director Sarah Ortiz Shields told Community Impact. “(The Census results) are going to drive business decisions for years to come.”
The Census format is relatively easy to navigate. The government is hopeful everyone will respond whether it be online, phone or by mail. Employees hired by the federal government for the purpose of getting an accurate count will visit those who have not responded.
Door-to-door visits will take place later in early summer, and counts will be finalized in August.
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