2010 Census - Make sure your household is counted

This month, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. The U.S. Census counts every resident - citizens and non-citizens - in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to occur every 10 years. Therefore, filling out the census form and returning the form in the postage-paid envelope is critical. If you fail to mail the form back, you will likely receive a visit from a census worker.

The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things such as schools, senior centers, emergency services, job training centers, hospitals and public works projects. The data collected by the census also determines the number of seats our state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The 2010 Census will be one of the shortest and simplest in U.S. history. It will ask 10 basic questions including name, sex, age and date of birth, Hispanic origin, race, household relationship and if you own or rent your home. The 2010 Census does not ask about bank account information, salary or income, citizenship or immigration status and Social Security number.

Census information is protected by law. Everyone working for the census must swear that they will never disclose any personal information. Penalties for any employee that shares this information include up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Census Bureau cannot share your information with anyone - including other federal agencies and law enforcement.

Those that fill out the form and mail it back will not be visited by a census worker. Most people return their form. The Census Bureau would rather get your form back in the mail, which saves our country money.

The Census Bureau is hiring locally and testing is under way. Walk-ins are welcome to test.

For more information, call 1-866-861-2010 or (928) 286-5600.