Governor Baldacci Kicks-Off Census 2010 Partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau
Press Release
Governor John E. Baldacci today announced he is partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau to achieve a complete and accurate count of the U.S. population in 2010. The announcement came during a Census 2010 kickoff event in the Hall of Flags at the State House. Participants included State Senators and Representatives, commissioners and department heads, local Census office staff, and members of Maine's Complete Count Committee.
"As Governor of Maine, I am dedicated to ensuring everyone understands the importance of participating in the 2010 Census," said Governor Baldacci. "The Census helps us to better understand what's happening in our State and is an important tool for good public policy."
The partnership will involve sharing important information about the Census in Maine and encouraging people to complete and mail back their 2010 Census forms. Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state, local and tribal governments based on Census data. Leaders use this data to guide planning decisions on where to build new roads, hospitals, child-care and senior centers, schools and more. Data also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.
"With the help of our 2010 Census partners, the Census Bureau has a far greater chance of reaching everyone in the United States, than if we were to attempt this monumental task alone," said Robert Groves, Director, U.S. Census Bureau. "Through their unique roles in their individual communities, elected officials can help deliver the 2010 Census message to every corner of the nation."
Census forms will be delivered or mailed to households in March 2010; households should complete and mail back their forms upon receipt. Census workers will visit households that do not return forms to take a count in person.
Information shared with the Census Bureau is completely confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents' answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.
For more information about the 2010 Census, visit http://2010census.gov
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