| Sarasota,
FL: With the distribution of federal and state dollars at
stake, City of Sarasota officials are encouraging every resident
to participate in the U.S. Census. It is hoped the participation
rate will increase from the last census in 2000, when participation
by City of Sarasota residents was below the national and state
averages.
In 2000, the participation rate within the
City of Sarasota was 67%. In the State of Florida, it was
68%, while the national participate rate was 72%. “We
need to increase participation,” said Mayor Richard
Clapp. “Every person counted within the City of Sarasota
will have a direct impact on how much federal funding the
City receives. The questionnaire is quick, simple and confidential.
By spending ten minutes to fill it out, you will help determine
$400 billion in federal funding allocations until the next
census is taken in 2020. This is a once-in-a-decade count.
So, let’s make it count,” said Mayor Clapp. Sales
taxes, gas taxes and other revenue sharing are also based
upon population. The count also impacts apportionment -- the
number of seats a state holds within the U.S. House of Representatives.
A brief ten question form will be delivered
to every household by mid-March. You are asked to fill it
out and return it in the enclosed pre-paid envelope. Those
residents who do not mail in a completed 2010 Census will
be visited at their home by a census taker. The census includes
questions about the number of people living in your household,
their gender, age and race. All responses are confidential.
April 1st is Census Day. All responses throughout
the nation will be based on circumstances that day. The U.S.
Census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.
To learn more about the 2010 Census visit:
www.2010.census.gov
To track the participation rate within the
City of Sarasota visit:
http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/#WatchPortrait
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