2010 Census Kicks: Why It's Important to be Counted

If you haven’t heard yet you can expect to... it's time for the U.S Census.
Done every ten years it determines the amount of representation we get in D.C and the amount of federal dollars we get for programs like school lunch and highway construction. It's why area leaders encouraging everyone to take part.
News Three’s Alice Massimi spent the day with the 2010 census road tour today and has more.

The push is on to make sure everyone in the U.S. counts, but first, you need to be counted
“It’s important because it's the way America knows what America needs,” explains Edward Davis, the regional census coordinator.
To be counted, just fill out the census form you'll get in the mail and send it back.
It’s not very complicated its just 10 simple questions that you need to answer they say it takes about 10 minutes asking anything from your name whether you are a male or female and your birth date.
For some reason though close to forty percent of Georgians didn't participate in the last census. That's where the encouragement and some education comes in.....even for 5th graders.
“I didn't know anything about it,” admits 5th Grader Damari Cousin.
“What did you learn?”
“I learned that every 10 years they have to count everybody and I know that's kind of hard to that.”
To make it interesting they're taking this interactive show on the road... and it seems to be getting the message across.
“That it’s easy and extremely important,” says Damari.
“Its one way to reach the households. We have to come into the home with this census message anyway that we can get in there,” says Davis.
In this day of identity theft, Davis stresses no one outside the census bureau will see the information ... and they will never ask for your social security number.
People in the area should begin to receive census forms in the mail around March.
For more information log onto: 2010census.gov