Census: 10 minutes of time now, 10 years of benefits for state

These past six weeks have brought into sharp focus the impact that federal funds can have on states — and each of our daily lives. When the funding flows, the affect can be immensely helpful. When it doesn’t, the adverse impact can be just as clear.

What if you knew that you could affect the rate at which federal funds will flow into Connecticut, not for the next few months, but the next 10 years? Would you take action to ensure that our state received more, rather than less, of the money that is to be divided among the states? And if the programs affected included public services and infrastructure like hospitals, emergency response, schools and bridges, would you want to know how to help ensure that Connecticut receives its fair share?

Fortunately, taking action is quick and easy, and the window of opportunity is right now. It is the 2020 U.S. Census — responding takes only 5-to-10 minutes, and can be done either online, by phone or by mail.

Just over half of Connecticut households have responded during the past six weeks, undeterred by the coronavirus pandemic. Because it is that important. The pandemic has been a poignant reminder of the difference federal funding can make.

The Census occurs every 10 years throughout the United States, and has been conducted every decade since 1790. It is mandatory for every household to respond — in fact, it is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. The data accumulated serves as the basis for a range of government decisions, at the local, state and national levels, and for decisions by businesses on where to locate, and by nonprofit organizations determining where there are populations in need of services.

This year is the first time households can respond online. Since many of us are at home spending considerable time at a computer, it couldn’t be easier. Residences across Connecticut have received letters and postcards from the U.S. Census explaining what to do and how to do it. Even if you haven’t seen any correspondence, you can go to my2020census.gov, enter your address, and respond to the handful of very brief questions seeking demographic — not personal — information.

So far, some towns are responding more strongly than others. Statewide, Connecticut’s response has been 56 percent, just slightly above the national average of 53 percent, and ranking 17th in the nation. Among our cities and towns, the highest ranked are Tolland (72 percent), Marlborough (71 percent), Burlington (71 percent), Cheshire (70 percent), Glastonbury (70 percent), Killingworth (70 percent), and Simsbury (70 percent). The lowest: Salisbury (31 percent), Hartford (35 percent), and Cornwall (34 percent).

More than $675 billion in federal funding flows back to states and local communities each year based on census data. Funding that helps hospitals, schools, and public health programs. Connecticut has received about $10.7 billion annually. Whether that amount — relative to other states — increases or decreases will be determined largely by the accuracy of the count. That is why state and local Complete Count Committees have been working diligently — while social distancing — to encourage residents

The U.S. Census Bureau does not disclose any personal information.

to be counted.

Later this spring or summer, the Census Bureau will be sending people out, when it is safe to do so, to knock on people’s doors if they have yet to respond. They’ll offer to help in order to reach the highest possible percentage of people being counted. The best way to avoid having a Census-taker at your door? Fill out the census questionnaire now. The online form is compatible with Android and Apple smartphones, or can be only a phone call away to 800-923-8282.

Also, it is important to know that the U.S. Census Bureau does not disclose any personal information. It is against the law for any Census Bureau employee to disclose or publish any census information that identifies an individual. No law enforcement agency can access or use personal information at any time. And the Census Bureau will never ask for a Social Security number, bank or credit card account numbers, or money or donations.

If you haven’t yet participated in the 2020 Census, it is not too late to respond. Doing so will pay dividends for Connecticut in incalculable ways, for the next 10 years. Ten minutes today brings 10 years of benefit. There couldn’t be a better investment of your time, as we look ahead to building a better future.

Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media Edith Targonski is the Census Coordinator for the City of Stamford. She was hired back in October to help guide multiple efforts to help count all of Stamford’s diverse population through local events and outreach from community leaders within each neighborhood of the city. This photograph was taken Feb. 7.