This form, which only asks you to fill in the blanks and boxes, will help decide how many elected officials will represent your community at key meetings in Washington, D.C., and will be a major factor in the amount of money dedicated to road improvements, hospitals and more. Your very quality of life, and that of your children and your neighbors children, depends on people answering the questionnaire and mailing them back as soon as possible. Census officials and local leaders know the critical need of an accurate count. An undercount 10 years ago cost Louisiana a congressional seat. Then there s the matter of too many temporary buildings being used as permanent classrooms at overcrowded school campuses.
Citizens have the power to make a difference.
And it all flows from a ballpoint pen used to answer a few questions. Caddo Parish residents should understand that early estimates predict some population loss here, about 3 percent, compared to the 1990 census. That s all the more reason for everyone to do his part in making sure each person is counted. In addition to answering the questions and mailing the forms, take some time to talk to family members and friends about the importance of an accurate count. If necessary, help them to fill out their forms.