April 1, 2020 marked the start of another census drive. This is an important event and one that brings in over $6,000,000,000 annually to KANSAS. The April 1 Census Data gathering period will affect funding Kansans receive through 2030. Census invitations have been delivered through the mail or dropped off. There is also the option to participate online and by phone.
First of all, why does the United States take a census?
- It’s in the constitution. By law the U.S. Census Bureau must deliver a report of population counts to the President within nine months of Census Day
- It’s about redistricting
- Taking part is our civic duty (just like voting!)
- Your privacy IS protected.
How DOES the Census data bring money to Kansas? Federal money allocated to Kansas includes these TOP 5 areas:
- Medicaid
- Federal Direct Student Loans
- Supplemental Nutrition Programs for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Medicare Part B
- Highway Planning and Construction
While SCHOOLS were not a TOP 5 allocation of money, schools DO receive federal money based on the Census Data – namely for food service programs, our 21st Century Learning grants (USD 108 has two of these totaling about $1,000,000.), Title 1 services (which helps students who are lower in reading and math skills), special education services, and Head Start programs (to name just a few).
Washington County USD 108 receives almost $460,000 a year in federal money! That money is broken down like this:
All Title programs and PowerZone funding $222,440
The Infinity Project (this year only) $100,000
Federal lunch reimbursement $134,652
ONLY 10 questions are asked and your privacy is GUARANTEED. The 10 questions are:
- Name
- Phone number
- Age
- Sex
- Race
- Hispanic origin
- Relationship to householder
- Household tenure (rent or own)
- Number of people in household
- Usual place of residence
So please, do your part in ensuring that ALL Kansans are counted in this upcoming Census period.