Census 2020 is Oklahoma’s chance to fully account for its population. The Census, mandated by Article I, section 2 of the Constitution, counts every resident in the United States and takes place every 10 years.
Census data helps us understand the needs and characteristics of America’s population and determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives (a process called apportionment). Preliminary analysis indicates that over 300 Federally-funded programs relied on census-derived data to distribute around $900 billion to states and localities in FY 2016. [Andrew Reamer, Research Professor, George Washington University, forthcoming study.]
The 2020 Census goal is to count everyone once, only once and in the right place. The US Census Bureau estimated that 5% of kids under the age of 5 –1 million young children– were not counted in the 2010 census! Typically, young children, homeless, transient, Native American, and minority populations are the most vulnerable of not being included.
The work to get everyone prepared to receive and respond to the 2020 Census has already begun. You can help ensure Oklahoma achieves an accurate census count. Below are four ways to support Oklahoma in the 2020 Census.
- Become a 2020 Census “partner”. Join Oklahoma’s Complete Count Committee. Help spread the word about the importance of having everyone counted in the 2020 Census. Oklahomans, please contact Aldwyn Sappleton, Deputy Director of Research & Economic Analysis, Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Email [email protected], Subject: 2020 Census Partner.
- Stay Informed about key census policy.
- Share “Counting Young Children in the 2020 Census” flyer.
- Join the 2020 Census Team, and support your community while getting paid to do it. The Census Bureau is hiring temporary employees. Jobs offer weekly pay, competitive pay rates, flexible hours, and paid training.