Matzie urges community to respond to U.S. Census
Rep. Robert Matzie April 1, 2020 | 1:27 PM
AMBRIDGE, April 1 – Calling it critical for securing essential long-term resources and a strong voice in Congress, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, is urging all residents to respond to the U.S. census.
“Based on data from the last U.S. census, Pennsylvania receives nearly $27 billion in federal funding each year for important programs that support our communities,” Matzie said. “That funding goes to support our roads, bridges, health care, education, transportation and other critical services. The count also determines the extent of our representation in Congress. Now, it’s time to be counted again.
“I’m urging everyone in our community who hasn’t already done so to complete the census. It’s simple, secure and available online. The short amount of time it takes will make a huge difference in the extent of our community’s resources—and the strength of our voice in Washington.”
Matzie emphasized that residents do not need to be concerned about safety and security, as census answers can’t be used against an individual, and data security is managed by security experts operating at the highest levels. Moreover the U.S. Census Bureau is prohibited from releasing any information that identifies individuals, and violation of that law can bring a fine of up to $250,000 and/or up to five years in prison.
Matzie added that although April 1 is known as “Census Day” because the date is used as a key reference date in the census questionnaire, it is not a deadline, and residents can respond after that date, by phone, by mail or online.
Additional information about the U.S. census is available here.