Friday deadline for U.S. Census forms stressed

Make sure you count ... with the U.S. Census.

That's the plea issued Monday by 37th Congressional District Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach.

"By mailing your Census form back by (Friday), you will help make the count as accurate as possible and you will save taxpayer dollars -- that would otherwise be used to send a Census worker to your home -- for projects like improving schools and building hospitals," said Richardson.

The information taken in the Census is confidential and is not shared with any other government agencies. Regardless of personal legal issues, tax issues, credit problems, family matters or any other confidential situation that might cause concern, there is nothing to lose by filling out and mailing back a Census form, according to the congresswoman.

"In 2000, the Census missed 3 million people," Richardson added. "Most of the people not counted were Hispanic or African American, which resulted in communities like ours missing out on millions of dollars, since each person missed by the Census means our community will lose up to $1,500.

"The Census determines how more than $400 billion will be spent each year for the next decade and it will be used to decide where new schools are built and which roads will be built and improved," the congresswoman said. "It also provides a snapshot of what our neighborhoods look like and where services for groups like veterans and senior citizens should be located. Everyone has a stake in the success of Census 2010. It is time for you and your family to stand up and be counted."