Making sure everyone is counted

For Immediate Release: February 17, 2009

OLYMPIA � Even though the census is a year away, census workers are needed soon. The local Census Office will be hiring 4,000 temporary employees for 2009.

�This is not only an opportunity for thousands of Washingtonians to gain much-needed employment, this census ensures Washington receives its fair share of federal funds,� Gregoire said. �Every Washingtonian who completes the census form means about $800 of federal funds each year coming to Washington for roads, community and senior centers, schools, hospitals and emergency preparedness.�

Census forms will be sent to households across the country in March 2010. April 1, 2010, is designated as Census Day, when returned forms are due to be mailed.

Last month, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a proclamation in support of Census 2010, which aims to identify as many individuals as possible. The census, conducted every decade, is key to formulas that determine how much federal funding Washington receives. More than $300 billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to the states and communities, based on census data.

�It is very important for each of us to be counted, especially our diverse communities,� said Ellen Abellera, executive director of the Governor�s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. �This census will help determine the needs for social services, community development block grants and other grant programs essential to many communities.�

In addition, census data ensures fair congressional representation by determining how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and in their legislatures.

The economic stimulus package passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Jan. 28 included $1 billion for the 2010 census. Information collected during the census count is protected by law and remains confidential for 72 years.

Those interested in applying for employment should contact the Regional Census Center Recruiting Department at 866-861-2010 or go to www.census.gov/rosea/www/emply.html.