What is the Census?
The U.S. began conducting a census of the population and housing in 1790, and is mandated by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. The Census survey is a tool to count every person living in the U.S. on April 1, 2020. This survey of the country is completed every 10 years. The information received allocates about $700 billion dollars each year in federal funds.
Information collected in the Census is all about making your voice heard and representation for the next decade (2020-2030). It's a survey that impacts every individual living within the United States.
Approximately $675 billion dollars, or 75% of all federal grant money, is distributed based on information collected in the Census survey. This includes distribution of funds for specific federal programs, like Pell Grants, Medicare, SNAP, and Head Start programs. In general the Census data:
Clarifies Demographic Changes: It helps us understand how the population is changing around the country and in our community. It helps us make good decisions on education, housing, the economy, healthcare, public infrastructure, and other community issues. Data collected in the 2020 Census will be used for the next ten years.
Determines the Distribution of Funds: The Census count determines the distribution of more than $700 billion in federal funding and 75% of federal grant money
Determines Representation: The Census is used to redraw legislative districts and decides the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives and state legislatures.
When should I complete the Census survey?
The Civic and Community Engagement Office and the campus' Complete Count Committee is recommending students (and their households) complete the Census survey by May 1, 2020. But here are some other dates to be aware of:
March 12 – Census Bureau mailings are sent informing residents to fill out Census online;
April 1 - Census Day; Federal law requires that we all be counted based on where we live/stay on Census Day- citizens, non-citizens, international students, babies - everyone counts;
Late April – 5th and final mailing sent to residencies regarding self-response methods (ex: online or over the phone);
May 1 - The date Buffalo State is encouraging students to complete the Census by, so it doesn't become forgotten in the busyness that is typical at the end of the semester;
May 13 - Census Bureau begins to follow up on individuals who have not responded with in-person enumerators.
online on your cell phone or computer at: https://my2020census.gov/
calling a 1-800 number to complete over the phone
by snail mail
To learn more about how to respond to the Census survey, view the video that will walk you through each question asked.
