April 1st is Census Day. Here’s Why You Should Respond

The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how millions of dollars in federal funding flow into West Virginia communities every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location. Your response matters!

Every person not counted on the 2020 Census means thousands of dollars lost in federal funding. In fact, the Census Bureau estimates that for every West Virginian not counted, $20,000 in federal funding is lost over 10 years. Now imagine if 10 people are not counted, or 100. Those numbers add up. That is why it is so important every single person, no matter age, race, sexual orientation, religion or location is counted. 

By responding to the 2020 Census by Census Day, April 1, you will be making a difference in your community. With your response, you will impact the following programs:

• EDUCATION

  Schools in your community greatly benefit from the federal funding allocated based Census results. School lunches, Title 1 grants, special education programs and technical education are all impacted by federal funding. These programs directly impact West Virginia children and teachers. In order to keep these programs thriving in your community, respond to the Census!  

• HIGHWAYS

  You use the roads every day. Census results influence highway planning and construction, as well as grants for buses, subways, and other public transit systems. Roads, highways and bridges connect us to the people, goods and services around us. Without them, we are isolated. If you drive on the roads or use public transit, your response matters.

• HEALTHCARE

  The 2020 Census dictates federal funds for healthcare grant programs such as State Children’s Health Insurance Program, Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant, Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to the States and Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services. Families rely on these healthcare services to get the crucial care they need to survive and thrive. If you or a loved one use any of these programs to gain access to healthcare, your response matters

The list goes on, including programs to support rural areas, to restore wildlife, to prevent child abuse, to prepare for wildfires, and to provide housing assistance for older adults. The 2020 Census directly impacts West Virginians’ lives on a daily basis. 

Curious about what other programs are impacted by census data? Download this report to see a full list.