The 2020 Census is quickly approaching and millions of dollars are on the line for local and state government. The census is the primary factor on how the federal government determines funding, grant distribution and political representation, and state's and municipalities are pushing to get accurate population numbers.
“The county and the city will be conducting a robust public information campaign to ensure everyone understands the importance of the census and we all have a role to encourage friends and family to be counted,” said Leon County Commissioner Rick Minor speaking Wednesday morning at Florida TaxWatch.
The government watchdog has been pushing the census lately, trying to raise awareness about the important of getting accurate figures. The Census Bureau says blacks and hispanics tend to have the highest numbers of people undercounted, and that could mean a lot of people left out in the third largest state in the nation. The consequences: the possibility millions of dollars will be lost Florida where more than 40 percent of residents are black and hispanic.
In addition to the campaign, the city and county are funding a public outreach program to encourage people to complete the census.
“One of the exciting things about this particular count is that you can actually fill out your form online, we will be pushing that hard, along with the traditional methods as well,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey.
The census begins on April 1, 2020.