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To: Pastors
From: Jairo Martinez, Director, Office of Intercultural and Ethnic Diversity
The 2020 Census will count our increasingly diverse and growing population in the state of Georgia. Their representatives have asked for our support to ensure that every one has the opportunity to participate, especially our young adult population, our brothers and sisters from different cultures and those who are undocumented.
Mr. Hector Montalvo, the Census Specialist assigned to work with us, will contact you in the near future to share information and promote the participation of your parish community.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Quick facts about the 2020 Census:
The data collected by the census determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives (a process called apportionment) and is used to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities.
What is the Census?
The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States. Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution mandates that this occurs every 10 years.
Why a Census?
The information the census collects helps determine how more than $675 billion of federal funding is distributed to states and communities each year.
History of the Census
Thomas Jefferson led the first census in 1790. It had six questions – name of head of family and the number of persons in each household in five categories.
Redistricting Data Program
Public Law 94-171 requires the census to provide state legislatures with the small area census population tabulations necessary for legislative redistricting.
2020 Decennial Census Program Resources
Planning and management information specific to the 2020 Census – timelines, cost savings, program briefings and the 2020 Census infographic.
2020 Census Residence Criteria and Residence Situations
The Census Bureau has provided guidance on how to interpret the usual residence concept to determine where to count people in the 2020 Census.