Every 10 years we are asked to do one of the easiest and most important things we can do for our communities, fill out our Census form. It doesn't sound exciting or glamorous, but without Census data, our communities, neighbors and families risk losing out on important federal dollars.
Montana currently ranks in the bottom five states in the country for the response to the 2020 U.S. Census. The deadline is Sept. 30.
An accurate count determines how all the federal taxes we pay come back here to support our communities. It will determine the funding we receive for everything from planning for wildfires and highway construction to supporting small businesses and healthcare services. It will determine whether Montana gets a second voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. It will determine how legislative districts are redrawn and what representation looks like in Helena.
According to Census.mt.gov, as many as 20-35% of households across Montana, especially those that are in rural locations or have P.O. boxes, had Census invitation and/or materials delayed due to COVID-19. However, even if you do not have your 12-digit Census ID you can still fill out your form now online or by phone! While Missoula County has a 70% self-response rate overall, current data show that only about 30% of households in some outlying areas of the county have responded.
You can fill out your Census form online at: 2020census.gov. Census counters have resumed operations in Montana, and if you haven't responded online, by phone or by mail, you can expect a knock on your door soon.
To help ensure a complete count before the Sept. 30th deadline, the Seeley Lake Community Foundation invites you to stop by the Foundation Building (3150 MT Hwy 83 N) if you need a computer or Internet access to fill out your Census online. Transportation can also be arranged. Give us a call at 677-3506.
Missing only one resident means that a community misses $20,000 of federal funding over the next decade. In 2010, a one percent undercount would have missed 9,894 people in Montana, losing the state $9,311,515 in funding from census-derived federal financial assistance programs.
The constitutionally mandated Census is safe, easy and vitally important for our nation. No matter how you respond, everyone living in your household needs to be counted as part of the 2020 Census. It takes 10 minutes to fill out the Census, but the consequences will last for the next 10 years.
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