$400 billion in federal funds at stake

You pay taxes and about $400 billion of our tax money is put in a pot to be given back to communities. But, if you want a piece of that $400-billion pie in federal funds, you’ll have to complete and return the 2010 census report. Otherwise, your tax dollars will go to communities that do respond, maybe in Alaska.

“Yikes!” you say, “what do I have to do to get my tax money back here?” 

Easy. First set aside a block of time, 10 minutes. Then find a pen and answer 10 short questions. Finally, return the form in the prepaid envelope. 

Every residence in the United States will receive the 2010 census forms in mid-March, delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Among the 10 questions are your name, sex, age, date of birth, ethnicity or race, household relationship, if you own or rent. The questionnaire will NOT ask for your social security number, legal status, income or tax information.

Remember, you’ll receive the forms by mail in mid-March. If by April 1, National Census Day, you have not responded, you may be listed for a home visit by a census taker who will try to collect your answers in person. 

By year end, all the data will be turned over to the President of the United States for apportionment.

A final, but important note: if we want to keep our seats in the House of Representatives, we’d better fill in the forms, because in March 2011 the Census Bureau will give Ohio new redistricting data.  Meaning?  We may lose a seat, and possibly our voice, in Washington.

Watch for more information on the 2010 Census in the March issue of the Heights Observer and what it means to University Heights and Cleveland Heights residents. 

Send your comments and suggestions for future topics Anita Kazarian at AnitaKazarian@gmail.com.

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Volume 3, Issue 2, Posted 10:51 AM, 01.20.2010