Discarded census forms cost NJ federal aid Bayshore Courier News Posted:03/10/10
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Monmouth County - Census forms will soon arrive. Data determines states representation and share of roughly $400 billion in annual aid. With so much riding on the results of the upcoming Census, Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, all R-Monmouth and Mercer, are encouraging all residents to make sure they are counted so that New Jersey is fairly represented in Congress and does not lose any federal aid because of an inaccurate count, according to the press release.
"It takes just a few minutes for someone to answer 10 questions on the Census form, but failing to do so could cost New Jersey a seat in Congress and important federal aid for schools, hospitals and other worthwhile projects for an entire decade," said Casagrande, the ranking Republican on the Assembly State Government Committee that has been focusing on the Census. "In fiscal year 2009, census data determined how 84 percent of federal funding was allocated. Every person who fails to properly fill out a form could cost their community more than $1,000 in aid every year."
Representatives of the 12th Legislative district are using traditional and social media as well as visiting churches, schools and other community organizations in an effort to spread the word that everyone has to be counted.
"We cannot risk an inaccurate count because we did not reach out to groups that may be afraid of providing information to the government or that may not fully understand the Census," O'Scanlon said. "The Census is a national endeavor, but its results could affect our communities for the next decade. We cannot squander this opportunity and must ensure New Jersey and its communities get their fair share."
Beck said everyone has an obligation to make sure every Census form is filled out and returned to the federal government.
"The Census is much more than a head count," Beck said. "It affects funding that will help our communities withstand the state's severe financial problems and will determine how we are represented in Trenton and Washington. This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to make sure that New Jersey's voice is counted and needs are funded."
More information about the Census, including links to the federal Census page, can be found on the Assembly Republican web site, njassemblyrepublicans.com, or the Senate Republican web site, senatenj.com. Constituents who have additional questions may call the 12th District Legislative offices at (732) 866-1695 or (732) 933-1591.
