Meadville, Pennsylvania – Today, Crawford County’s Complete Count Committee initiated efforts to encourage county residents to participate in the 2020 Federal Census. The Complete Count Committee has begun implementing a plan developed last fall to reach residents with educational materials using events and multiple media channels. For the 2020 Census, respondents will have the several options available to them including mailed forms, phone interviews, and for the first time ever, online access. Most households will receive their census invitation in the mail by April 1, 2020. 

“An accurate count in the 2020 Census is critical for the communities across Crawford County. Not only does the Census impact our representation in the legislature, but it impacts our pocket books. Funding to fix roads and bridges, providing school lunches and education programs, as well as many other federal programs that impact our citizens are calculated using census numbers. The more folks we have fill out the Census and the higher the accuracy of their response, the less of a financial impact our citizens should feel over the next decade.” – Eric Henry, Chairman of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners 

The U.S. Constitution requires a census count every ten years and documents increases, decreases, and changes in community demographics. The statistics created are used to decide how many seats each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives. It also determines the amount of federal funding Pennsylvania receives for important programs and services, including healthcare, food assistance, education, transportation, housing, community development, families and more. 

“The Census is important for all Crawford County residents, regardless of age, gender, address, or immigration status,” said John Lawrence, Chairman for Crawford County’s 2020 Census Complete Count Committee. “Based on our last population count, Pennsylvania receives $26.8 billion annually which equates to roughly $2,000 per person in the state. Based on the county’s 2017 populace of 86,000 this equates to $172 million in potential help and over $1.72 billion over the 10-year period before the next census.” 

Residents do not need to be concerned about safety and security, as Census answers can’t be used against an individual, and data security is managed by security experts operating at the highest levels. Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot release any information that identifies individuals, and anyone who breaks this law faces a fine of up to $250,000 and/or up to five years in prison. 

All Census workers must carry a valid ID badge with their photo, U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date. Residents can call 800-923-8282 to check if a visitor works for the Census. If the visitor is not with the Census, residents should contact their local police department. 

The Crawford County Complete Count Committee has set up a dedicated Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/crawfordcountypa2020census/ for county residents to ask questions as well as to learn more about the census and obtain details concerning specific benefits. Other county organizations  

working to promote the census participation can join the Crawford County 2020 Census Help Group in Facebook to coordinate efforts on a larger scale. The group can be found at http://bit.ly/CrawfordCensusHelpGroup 

Your voice matters in shaping Crawford County’s future. For more information and resources related to the 2020 U.S. Census, please visit pa.gov/census.