Madison passes resolution bringing focus to critical 2020 census count
MADISON – Local, regional and state officials are asking that every effort be made to make sure each and every Alabama resident is counted in the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census.
The U.S. Census is conducted once every ten years and is used to determine funding allocations for federal programs. In fact, it represents federal funding of about $1,600 per person in Alabama. The federal government also will use 2020 census data to allocate the nation’s congressional seats.
The state is currently projected to be at risk of losing one of its seven congressional seats.
Madison officials passed a resolution last week throwing their support behind the 2010 census effort. “It is critical we get involved in every possible way we can,” Madison Mayor Paul Finley said. “It determines how many representatives each state gets in Congress, and in Alabama this coming census is going to be very important.”
A low count could also result in Alabama losing federal funds relating to health care, education and roads and transportation, rural development and community programs. In 2010, Alabama is believed to have only accounted for 72 percent of its estimated population.
The resolution, which passed with a unanimous vote, pledges the city’s support to disseminate 2020 Census information and encourages residents to participate in events and initiatives that will raise the overall awareness of the census.
The population of Madison in 2010, the year of the last census, was 42,938. “We expect to be over 50,000 for the upcoming census,” Finley said.
In 2000, the population of Madison was 29, 329. In 1990, the population was 14,624.
“As it jumps, we must be in a position where every resident in Madison are counted,” Finley said.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently unveiled the state’s official 2020 census website – www.census.alabama.gov. The new website is designed to serve as an information and resource hub for community leaders, groups and individual Alabamians. New features and resources will be added regularly over the next year. Information will also be shared on social media through the dedicated Alabama Counts Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
“We as Alabamians have a tremendous opportunity to positively affect the future of our state and our children by simply taking about five minutes to say ‘I Count’ and completing our census forms in 2020,” Ivey said. “Our goal with Alabama Counts is maximum participation, and we are going to be working hard over the next year to attain that goal, so we can secure a brighter future for our communities.”
Starting in mid-March 2020, Alabama households will receive a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau with instructions on completing 2020 census forms. The Census Bureau is encouraging an online response but will have a toll-free number for households to complete their information over the phone or request a traditional paper form. The Census Bureau plans to mail paper forms to households in rural areas with potentially low internet access. The information collected during the census is confidential and cannot be used against a person by any group or agency.
Preston Jenkins with the U.S. Census Bureau accepted Madison’s resolution at last Monday’s city council meeting. He thanked the city for their support. “It’s critical we get a complete and accurate count,” he said.
