Merski calls on community for strong U.S. Census response
Rep. Robert Merski April 1, 2020 | 1:55 PM
ERIE, April 1 – Calling it essential to Erie’s ongoing access to federally funded programs and services, state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, called on everyone in the community to respond to the U.S. census.
“It’s hard to overestimate how important our community’s response is,” Merski said. “The federal government uses the census count information it receives every 10 years to determine how to allocate billions in funding – money for schools, roads, hospitals and more. Based on the last census, Pennsylvania receives nearly $27 billion annually for critical programs and services.
“The count also determines the number of U.S. representatives we’re allotted, so it affects the strength of our voice in the halls of Congress.
“Now, it’s time for everyone to be counted again, and today – on Census Day – I’m asking everyone to do their part. If we all get counted, we end up stronger because of it.”
Merski emphasized that because census answers can’t be used against an individual, and data security is managed by security experts operating at the highest levels, residents should not be concerned about safety or security. Moreover, the law prohibits the U.S. Census Bureau from releasing any information that identifies individuals, under penalty of large fines and possible prison time.
He 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.