Your voice is needed
Dear editor:
As District 3 justice of the peace since 2019, I often rely on our collective voice in the work I do for Garland County. Now I am asking for your help to be sure we are heard loud and clear.
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau counts everyone who lives in the United States. Responding to the 2020 Census gives everyone in our community the opportunity to help shape our future. The U.S. Constitution mandates the census and it is our responsibility to respond. A complete and accurate count determines our representation in Arkansas and in the U.S. House of Representatives, and its success depends on our full participation.
What you may not realize is the 2020 Census will help ensure we get our share of federal and state funding for programs critical to our community. This includes funding for hospitals, roads and bridges, schools and programs like Head Start, free or reduced-priced school lunches, and services specifically aimed at rural areas. This is more important than ever as we continue to work through the COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, 54.9% of the households in Hot Springs and 56.1% of Garland County have responded to the 2020 Census, but we need to count “everyone.” You can respond to the Census online at my2020census.gov, by phone 844-330-2020 (English) 844-4682020 (Spanish) or by mailing in your Census invitation. If you live in a remote area and use a post office box, a census taker will drop off a questionnaire at your home soon, if they have not already.
The Hot Springs Local Census Complete Count Committee that I chair includes members representing schools, colleges, faith-based organizations, city and county officials, businesses, organizations, neighborhood associations, community leaders, residents, news and media outlets, and more that are working hard with the Census Bureau to spread the message that completing the census is important for our entire community. The Census counts everyone including citizens, noncitizens, adults, children, infants, and seniors.
I urge everyone to respond to the 2020 Census. Be sure to remind your neighbors and friends to respond, too. Everyone’s response — and voice — matters!
Esther M. Dixon Justice of the Peace, District 3 Chair, Hot Springs Local Census Complete Count Committee