South Georgia Technical College urges individuals to complete Census 2020

   Even during these uncertain times, there is something that everyone can do to help shape the future without putting anyone at risk.  South Georgia Technical College is urging everyone to do their part by asking them to fill out the Census for 2020. 

   According to the U.S. Census Bureau, all households will receive an invitation to participate in the census by March 20.  They will have three options to respond – online, by phone, or by mail.  All responses are anonymous and confidential.  Title 13 of the U.S. Code prohibits the release of any identifiable information collected during the census – even to law enforcement agencies.

   The Census is required by the U. S. constitution to determine how seats in Congress are divided among the states.  Census numbers are also used to help determine where the federal government spends hundreds of billions of dollars for health care, education, transportation and housing.

   “We urge individuals in our seven county service area to respond to the Census because it could have a huge impact on South Georgia, especially our small rural communities,” said South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. 

   The United States has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.  Census 2020 is designed to count every person living in the U.S. – once, only once, and in the right location.  The results will determine how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to states and communities.  According to the most recent counts, each person in the U.S. is worth $2,300 per year in federal funding.

   “The data that is collected will have a positive impact on communities and the economic development in our region,” said President Watford.  “Please do your part to help ensure that our communities are not undercounted.”