2020 Census Self-Response Period Set to End on October 15th

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The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday stopped the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident from continuing through the end of October.

President Donald Trump’s administration had asked the nation’s high court to suspend a district court’s order permitting the 2020 census to continue through the end of the month. The Trump administration argued that the head count needed to end immediately so the U.S. Census Bureau had enough time to crunch the numbers before a congressionally mandated year-end deadline for turning in figures used for deciding how many congressional seats each state gets.

The census determines how many congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state gets and how $1.5 trillion in federal funding is distributed each year.

As of Tuesday, 99.7% of households nationwide had been counted, a figure that surpassed the completion rate in 2010, according to the Census Bureau.

For more information, visit the US Census Bureau’s website.

To complete the Census now, visit my2020census.gov.

Gearing Up for Census 2020

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Nevada County Counts logoEvery 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau attempts to count every person living in the United States. No matter your age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or citizenship status–if you live in the United States, YOU COUNT.

Why the Census Matters

The Census is about more than just counting people. It has repercussions that will last a decade. Census data is used to fund roads, health services, and disaster planning and response. It also determines funding for essential safety net programs like MediCal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, WIC, and Section 8 Housing Vouchers, and many more.

Did we mention political representation?

There is a lot on the line.

Making Nevada County Count

Over the last six months, leaders throughout our community have come together to ensure a complete count in Nevada County. With a focus on populations that have been undercounted in the past, the coalition includes organizations that serve children, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and Latinx and LGBTQ+ folks. Together we’re creating safe spaces to learn about and participate in Census 2020.
Unlike past counts, the 2020 Census will be the first to rely heavily on online responses. For those of us without internet access, this can be a major barrier. We are working to set up sites throughout the county where you can complete the Census online. You can also respond by phone or by mail.

Coming Soon

Census Day is April 1st, but you will be able to complete your Census form beginning in mid-March. Keep an eye on your mailbox for your invitation to complete the Census online. In the meantime, check out the Nevada County Counts website to sign up for Census updates or learn more about why the Census matters for our community.

Get Involved

If you work for a organization that serves “hard-to-count” communities, you may be eligible for a Census Mini-Grant. Learn more about mini-grants here.
To learn more about the 2020 Census go to www.NevadaCountyCounts.org or call us at 211.

The Census Bureau is Hiring!

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Census Jobs Nevada CountyThe 2020 Census will help decide how billions of dollars will reach Californians. Information collected by the Census helps determine funding for dozens of programs that provide essential resources to our communities. Census data determines funding for schools, child care programs, road maintenance projects, and social assistance programs.

Now is your chance to play a role in your community and help “get out the count.”

The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring for both supervisory and non-supervisory positions in Nevada County. These temporary jobs offer great pay, flexible hours, and a chance to meet your neighbors.

Supplement your income and help Nevada County achieve a complete count for Census 2020.

Apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs.

For more information or help applying, call 1-855-JOB-2020.

 

Census 2020: Gearing Up for a Complete Count

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Be Counted California!Every decade since 1790, the United States has attempted to count the country’s population. This nation-wide head-count plays an extraordinarily important role in shaping our communities for years to come.

Why the Census Matters

The next Census will take place in April 2020. There is a lot on the line, including funding for essential safety net programs and representation in Congress. Census data is used to:

  • Draw Congressional districts (not to mention school districts!)
  • Distribute billions of federal dollars to states
  • Inform the decisions of government, businesses, and non-profits

An undercount could cost California more than $1.5 billion across all Federal programs. These are dollars that fund housing, education, healthcare, roads, and emergency services in Nevada County.

The Challenge

It is vital to the future of our community to ensure that every person in Nevada County is counted. Connecting Point and the County of Nevada are collaborating to “get out the count,” with the goal of achieving a complete count for Census 2020. That means counting every person living in Nevada County. There are significant barriers to meeting this goal:

  • The 2020 Census will be the first to rely heavily on online responses. Internet access is limited in many areas of our county.
  • S. Census Bureau outreach will not go to P.O. Boxes. Many residents may not receive information about the Census.
  • There is widespread mistrust of the government and potential for misinformation about the Census in our community. People may choose not to participate, even though Census data is protected.

The State of California estimates that there are 48,370 “hard-to-count” individuals living in Nevada County (learn more about the Hard-to-Count Index here).

What’s Next

Connecting Point is currently reaching out to community organizations, faith-based groups, local agencies, businesses and others who work closely with demographic populations considered least likely to respond. These include:

  • Latinos
  • Immigrants and Refugees
  • Farm-workers
  • People with disabilities
  • Seniors
  • Children ages 0-5
  • Veterans
  • People with low/no broadband access
  • Households with limited English proficiency

Achieving a complete count requires us to work together to find the best ways to reach our hard-to-count neighbors. If you serve any of the above “hard-to-count” populations, we want to hear from you. Please contact Heather Heckler by email or by phone at 530-274-5601 to let us know if you’d like to be involved.

The Census begins April 1st. LET’S MAKE NEVADA COUNTY COUNT!

Learn more about the 2020 Census and Nevada County’s Complete Count.