Lets Count New York!

The census is a great source for information, including data beyond the population. According to the 1800 Census, Clarkstown had a population of 1,806, but the census also provides data that 149 of those people were slaves. The 1860 census revealed Clarkstown had 876 swine versus 677 horses. Census records also tell us 558 men from Rockland County fought in the Civil War. The 2000 Census revealed that Clarkstown’s population had grown to 82,082 and 16.7% of the residents were foreign born. It will be interesting to see what the 2010 Census will reveal.
New York State has been continually losing congressional seats in each census since 1940. That’s because our congressional representation is apportioned based on the population of our state compared to the population of the other states in the union. Even more alarming is the fact that federal funding for services to our state is based on census data, so lower population numbers being counted by the census translate into less money for New York. The next U.S. Census is set for 2010, so all New Yorkers need to be counted to make sure we have our proper representation and funding. The 2010 Census is simple and safe, 10 questions, 10 minutes – no more long forms. Census Day is April 1, 2010, so let’s count New York!
It is vital that everyone gets counted; otherwise New York stands to lose more seats in the House of Representatives, but that is not all we can lose. Every year, more than $300 billion in federal funds are awarded to states and communities based on census data. Census data also helps local governments in determining how to allocate funds for community projects. If New York is your primary home, only submit the census sent to that address, to keep funding allocated to our own state and to keep your voting power intact.
Census literally means an official count of the population, which the U.S. Constitution mandates being conducted every ten years. Since 1790, 22 censuses have been taken, and in March 2010, a simple questionnaire will be sent to every household in the United States. The questions ask you to provide information that is accurate for your household, which is completely confidential. The census counts all people living in the United States, regardless of citizenship, race, ethnicity or age. The U.S. Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone, including welfare and immigration.
Currently, census workers are canvassing neighborhoods throughout the nation to identify each residential address, continuing through mid-July 2009. You may see these address canvassers in your neighborhood, who will have identification badges and will be using GPS-equipped hand-held computers to update maps and ensure there is an accurate address list for the delivery of the census questionnaires. For more information, please visit www.clarkstownclerk.com, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s website.