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April 1, 2010 is U.S. Census Day. Every 10 years the U.S. Constitution requires that the government count every person to insure fair congressional representation and fair distribution of federal aid. Listen to how and why local governments, churches, schools and civic organizations, led by the Seminole County Complete Count Committee, are working hard to make sure 100% of the county’s population is counted. Feature length – 13:37

The 2010 census is of vital importance to our communities. Every 10 years the U.S. government is required by the Constitution to conduct a count of every person in the United States. That count is used to allocate congressional representation into the federal House of Representatives. Yet an equally important function of those population figures is to allocate federal funding to states and local governments. That money comes to the local communities to provide programs and services. If there is an undercount in a region, they don’t receive the money needed for vital programs. As the Census Bureau states, the 2010 census will affect “your community’s future, your country’s future and your future.”

In Seminole County Florida all agencies and organizations are actively working to make sure the population is accurately counted. The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners established the Complete Count Committee to coordinate civic groups, schools, municipalities and faith-based organizations in that effort. Flyers, posters, personal contact, church bulletins and the media will all be utilized to get out the word and get in the census forms. The more complete the count the more Seminole County will benefit from federal funding and services. As the slogan of the 2010 states “It’s in Our Hands.

In March 2010 over 130 million households will receive a census form in the mail. All of those households should answer the 10 questions and return the forms in the pre-paid envelope provided. Responses should include everyone living at the address permanently or temporarily. The Census Bureau cannot share any personal information gained from the survey with anyone, including other government agencies or law enforcement. No one should be afraid to mail in their questionnaire.

Households that do not respond to the census questionnaire or who do not have a mailing address will be visited in person by a census worker. It costs $75 per person for a worker to search out and find unresponsive households and individuals so it saves taxpayers a lot of money when the forms are returned accurately and promptly. The total cost of the census will be $14 billion.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Darlene Jordan, Bryan Cobb and Desta Horner Extended interview (14:24)   Download

Additional Feature Information

• Seminole County Complete Count Committee
• U.S. Census
• Tony Matthews Seminole County Census liaison: Email
• Darlene Jordan, Oviedo Census liaison: Email