MILWAUKEE— The 2020 Census deadline is fast-approaching, and is now just a few days away. The census is a count of the entire U.S. population and takes place just once every ten years. Every adult and child has the constitutional right to be counted. Responses must be submitted by September 30, 2020.
“The 2020 Census is one of the most important civil rights issues of our day,” said Mayor Barrett. “Milwaukee’s self-response rate is lagging behind the national average. But, the good news is you still have time to respond. I want every single Milwaukee resident to stand up and be counted.”
Milwaukee’s self-response rate is 60.7% compared to the national average of 66.6%. Wisconsin’s self-response rate is 71.8%.
Based on census data, the federal government distributes $675 billion to local communities each year for health, education, housing and more. Wisconsin receives $12.6 billion based on census data. For every resident that goes uncounted, Milwaukee risks losing $1,600 every year for each resident over the next 10 years.
Census data is also used to determine how many seats each state will receive in the U. S. Congress and in deciding voting wards. This process is referred to as redistricting and in the City of Milwaukee will be overseen by the Common Council’s Judiciary and Legislation Committee. Final election wards and aldermanic districts will be considered and adopted by the Common Council.
The 2020 Census covers the following areas:
- How many people living or staying at your home on April 1, 2020.
- Whether your home is owned or rented.
- Sex, age and race of each person in your home.
- Whether a person in your home is of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin.
- The relationship of each person in your home.
“If you haven’t yet completed the 2020 Census, you still can respond online or by phone. If a census taker comes to your home, please be cooperative and take the time to complete the survey,” said Mayor Barrett. “Your information is private, and the census only takes about 10 minutes in total. The investment is well worth the time for our families and community.”
Households can respond to the 2020 Census online at 2020census.gov or by phone at 1-844-330-2020. Residents can respond in English as well as 12 other languages including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Russian.