“Accurate census poll means cash for Indiana”

The headlines in March 9th editions of The Indianapolis Star, screamed at me and since cash has a nice ring to it I read on. The article pointed out how the census count affects the amount of federal funding states and local governments receive. “About 27% of the federal funding Indiana gets each year is distributed on the basis of census figures. Indiana got $7.4 billion in census-related funding in 2008. About 47,000 Hoosiers were not counted and that cost the state more than $227 million in federal funding. Indiana ranked 41st on a per capita basis in census-related funding. The bulk of census-guided federal assistance goes to state governments, making it particularly important that states do what they can to ensure everyone is counted.”
“The state is focusing on populations that are particularly important to educate, such as college students. Indiana is the country’s second-largest net importer of college students and many students incorrectly think they are counted on their parents’ census form. A full-time student living on campus or elsewhere should complete a form and report that residence. Local community leaders need to get involved in promoting participation.”
“Medicaid, funded jointly by the state and federal government, is the largest source of federal funding tied to census figures. Highway and other transportation funding is next, followed by housing programs and education grants.”
The Census is seeking people who would like to work on collecting information. For further information call 1-866-861-2010 or www.2010censusjobs.gov.