March 30 ,2010 — Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and the other Founding Fathers created the census in 1790 when they wrote the U.S. Constitution and empowered Congress to count every person living in the United States of America and to use that count to determine representation in the Congress.   

The census has been taken faithfully every 10 years since then, the use of the data collected has increased and watch out now — this year is a census year.

Everyone in the United States must be counted in the census. This includes people of all ages, races and ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens.   

Local participation is important to the future of our community. Census data provides many benefits to the people of this nation and the places we live.

For example, census data is used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments.  A good count is important because an expected decrease in California’s population may reduce the number of the state’s representatives in Congress.   

And every year the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to tribal, state and local governments based on census data.    

Information from the census helps determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.    

These and many other benefits only are possible with an accurate count in 2010. Participating in the census is one of best ways the people of Lassen County can contribute to society and make a lasting difference.    

Lassen County officials reported during Census 2000 only 52 percent of Lassen County households and 61 percent of households in the city of Susanville returned their census forms by mail. Nationally, 72 percent returned their forms. We can do better.   

It’s really easy. Census forms have been mailed or delivered to every household in the country. Simply complete the form on behalf of every person living in your residence — both relatives and non-relatives — and return it in the postage-paid envelope.    

Census workers will visit households that do not return the forms to take the count in person.    

If you need assistance, Questionnaire Assistance Centers will be available to help those who cannot read or understand the census form, and Language Assistance Guides also will be available in 59 languages at all QAC locations. For those with visual impairments, the Language Assistance Guide will be available in large print and Braille. Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons who do not have access to Video Relay Service can call the TDD number (866) 783-2010.    

For more information, visit 2010census.gov.    

Be a good citizen and take 10 minutes to fill out and return your census form.