2020 Census: Make Missouri families—including kids—count
Why does the census matter?
It is important that everyone living in your house is counted in the census as federal funds are allotted to states, counties, cities, and households every year, based on individuals counted. The money goes toward more than 300 federal programs related to healthcare, housing, schools, and transportation.
Why are the stakes so high for families and children?
In order to continue to serve families and children, we must count all adults and children, including infants, in Missouri in the 2020 Census. The decennial census count is the nation’s denominator to earmark funds for programs that directly impact families across the socio-economic spectrum including federal dollars to support pre-K-12 public education, support for public health functions such as immunizations and nutrition programs, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providing insurance to children in families with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, SNAP, Head Start, the USDA National School Lunch program, and many others. An undercount means fewer dollars returning to Missouri. Our state, for example, stands to lose $1,300 per year in federal funds for every adult and child who is not counted—, according to the Missouri 2020 Complete Committee.
How does the census work?
You will have received a mailing from the U.S. Census Bureau in mid-March with instructions for responding on-line or via phone. If you haven’t responded by early to mid-May, the U.S. Census Bureau will send a paper copy of the census questionnaire to your street address. If there is still no reply, a census taker will knock on your door to interview you and complete the questionnaire.
What questions will be asked?
The Census Bureau asks approximately 10 questions about your housing, household arrangements, and the demographic characteristics of each person living in your household.
The decennial census questionnaire takes about10 minutes to complete. Questions asked include the names, age, race, ethnicity, and gender of the members of your household. The questionnaire also asks about the relationship between household members, as well as whether you live in a house, apartment or mobile home, and if your home is owned or rented. One individual in the household is asked to be identified as the primary responder. The Census Bureau requests a phone number for the primary responder to be used for clarifying responses to the questionnaire.
Will there be a citizenship question?
No, there is no citizenship question on the 2020 Census. Additionally, the Census Bureau will never ask for money, donations, political affiliation, social security numbers, bank or credit card numbers.
Is my information confidential?
Yes, your personal information is confidential and secure. In fact, the Census Bureau points out it is illegal for them to share your information with anyone including other government agencies or private companies.
All Missouri residents count, so let’s make sure we are all counted—even the youngest among us. The Missouri 2020 Complete Count Committee notes that the 2020 Census is our opportunity to ensure the tax dollars we send to Washington, D.C., come back to the Show-Me State. That money will help us address the needs of kids, families, and communities across the state for the next decade.
May 11, 2020
