10 questions could affect federal funding on The Murfreesboro Post

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10 questions could affect federal funding

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By: MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer

Posted: Thursday, December 3, 2009 2:56 pm

10 questions could affect federal funding | Census, Jobs

State Sen. Mae Beavers spoke on the importance of a complete census count in 2010. TMP/M. Willard

Take 10 minutes to answer 10 questions in 2010 and help Tennessee get what’s coming to it.

The 10 questions are part of the 2010 Census, which federal and local governments use to allocate dollars and political representation.

“The census is going to play a role – a crucial role – to the people for equitable political power distribution,” explained Jess Avina, assistant regional manager for the Census’ Bureau’s Charolete region that includes Tennessee.

It plays a major role in political power distribution because it is the foundation for federal and state congressional redistricting and determines how much federal money state’s get annually.

“This is especially important to these small counties to make sure they get there fair share,” State Sen. Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) said at the 2010 Census kick off held at the Murfreesboro office.

More than $300 billion in federal funds are awarded to states and communities annually based on census data.

In terms of local dollars, Murfreesboro held a special census in 2008, which boosted its allotment from the state by $2.1 million. The increased revenue helped the city balance its budget during a tough economic year.

The data are also used to make community planning and development decisions, like improving roads, building schools and so on.

An incomplete count could affect how much state and federal funding Rutherford County and Murfreesboro receives and how city and county planners map out the future of the community.

“Not only is it a political issue, it’s a patriotic issue,” Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg said.

Avina wanted reminded everyone that individual census data is confidential and cannot be released to welfare or immigration agencies.

The 2010 Census differs from the 2000 Census by the length of the survey. Questions only concern address, number of people in the household, race, gender and a few other questions.

“It’s safe, simple and important,” Rutherford County Complete Count Committee Chairwoman Terry Cunningham said.

The Census Bureau will be hiring for 1,500 full- and part-time jobs to complete the 2010 Census. To apply, visit 2010censusjobs.gov.

Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com.

Tagged under Census, Jobs

Member Opinions:

By: SocEtTuem on 12/3/09
If you want any kind of honest census, keep ACORN out of it. Hire capable, honest people who are not agenda driven.

Fat chance any of that will happen, espeially when the political hacks see potential gains.