Over the last generation, Southeast Alaska has lost representation in the Alaska State Legislature as population centers have shifted towards the Railbelt. Where we once had several senators representing the Southeast communities and their concerns, we now have only two. Please make sure we retain our representation in the Legislature by being counted in the census today!
Why is the census so important? It is the best way to ensure that people living in Southeast Alaska can retain representation and receive aid.
The census determines many things across the country. It determines funding for local communities, representation in the national government, and many other important decisions. For example, it was the formula used to determine how much money each community in the state received from the CARES Act for coronavirus aid. It is also used to determine how much federal funding AMHS receives annually.
The census is also important for determining emergency response. Detailed census demographics can help officials, epidemiologists, and other emergency responders accurately respond to outbreaks and pandemics like the COVID-19 pandemic we are currently facing.
Why should you fill out the census?
- Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.
- The results determine how many seats in U.S. Congress each state gets.
- The U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2, mandates it: The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.
Filling out the census can be as crucial as voting to making sure that your community is receiving adequate aid and representation.
Every household in the United States is asked to participate. You can participate at www.2020census.gov. It’s quick and easy and it is not too late to fill it out. Please be sure to be counted!
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