The Census is critical to the well-being of our citizens and to the health of the Nation. Undercounting, particularly in large urban centers, results in reduced federal monies that are desperately needed. It is important that everyone complete the Census questionnaire when it arrives in March. Most households will receive the short form, with basic questions such as the name, age, sex and race of persons in the household. Information gathered from the long form is important in painting a statistical picture of the trends affecting our nation.
Many people are concerned about privacy.
They have nothing to fear. Federal law mandates that no one outside the Census Bureau can ever be given information that would connect your answers with your name and address. It also says that before anyone inside the Census Bureau sees your responses, they must first be sworn to secrecy. Violations can result in a sizable fine and a prison term of up to five years. For the good of our community and the nation, please complete and return the Census 2000 questionnaire as soon as possible after receiving it.