On Nov. 5, Gov. Chris Gregoire joined Regional Census Director Ralph Lee and elected leaders to help launch the 2010 U.S. Census. Information gathered by the census helps determine how more than $400 billion of federal funding each year is spent on projects and services.
Following remarks from Gregoire, U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke called in to participate in the kick off, which was coordinated by Ellen Abellera.
“The 2010 census will determine allocation of more than $400 billion a year in federal funds for the next 10 years,” said Locke. “And it will go programs from health and human services to transportation, education, medical programs for seniors, and more. At a time when state and local governments have to cut back on programs, this is incredibly important money to take care of the people in our communities.”
This year, the census questionnaire is only 10 questions. Forms will be in English and Spanish. Locke states the information guides will be in six or seven different languages.
“This is all about trying to make things fair and accurate and provide a complete portrait of America — not just in numbers but in complexity and diversity,” said Locke. ♦