Answering Census Questions Can Increase Representation and Bring Funds Into Area
Michael Schrage’s “Census Is Regarded as Just More Junk Mail,” (May 17) has done a disservice to the United States Census Bureau regarding completed census forms.
Citizen apathy can be blamed for poor voter turnout, but voting is a privilege. Supplying information for the United States Census is required by law--Title 13 , United States Code.
This same law protects the confidentiality of your answers, name, address, etc. for 72 years. If anyone wants my address for junk mail in April, 2062, I say they’re welcome to it.
Information from the census is used to assure that each area has the proper representation in Congress. Tax money collected where you live will come back in the form of funding for education, housing, health services, transportation planning, job training, public works and many other services--based on how many people live in the area.
While we’re on the subject of tax money, it is estimated that it costs taxpayers $94 each time a census enumerator has to hunt down and cajole a recalcitrant respondent into giving information that could have been mailed in. Even though I’m a paid enumerator, I’d rather my tax dollars pay for something else.
RUTH ANN RINK
Redondo Beach
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