By mid-March, residents will be receiving their 2010 Census forms and we’d like to impress upon our readers the importance of filling out the form and returning it in a timely manner.

The Census, which is required under the United States Constitution, is used to calculate the amount of representation each state has in Washington and the amount of federal funding each community will receive over the next decade. That means an accurate Census count will provide adequate funding for the services our communities rely upon such as hospitals, job-training centers, schools, senior centers, and emergency services. In addition, it means adequate funding to meet the growing demands for local infrastructure such as roads and highways.

TheCensus will be delivered to your door and will require that you answer ten short questions and mail the form back in the postagepaid envelope provided. Residents who don’t mail back the form may receive a visit from a census taker who will assist you in completing the form if necessary. The form is provided in both English and Spanish.

It is important to know that the personal data you provide, which does not include information about your legal status or your social security number, is protected under federal law.

Anyone living in a two-family home or apartment and who does not receive a census form can get one at their local library. Forms cannot be completed online.

The bottom line is that your community, your schools and hospitals, your streets and roads, will only get their fair share of federal funding if you stand up and are counted. The results of the census will have an impact on your tax bill and pocketbook for the next ten years, so fill it out and put it in the mail.