New 2010 Census Form Has Only 10 Questions! 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Berman urged all Californians to fill out their 2010 Census form.  The Census is a vital tool of our democracy that impacts every community across the country.  For the first time, the 2010 form has only 10 questions and should take less than 10 minutes to complete!  To learn more, please view Rep. Berman's guide in English or Espanol.

The results of the Census will determine how more than $445 billion in federal funds – for everything from schools to roads to senior centers – are distributed to state, local, and tribal governments over the next decade.  According to a recent PriceWaterhouseCoopers report, areas most affected by Census undercounting lose about $2,913 per uncounted person in federal funding.  The 2000 Census had a 67% national response rate, with an estimated undercount of more than 3 million people.

“Our community can’t afford to lose out on crucial federal funds and programs,” said Rep. Berman.  “In order to get our fair share of funding for our community, we must count everyone.  Our schools, libraries, community centers, and so many other important programs all rely on Census results.

“I hope you join me in filling out the Census form.  Stand up and be counted.”

As with other public efforts, California residents should be wary of fake Census scams that attempt to collect personal information.  The Census Bureau has received complaints about deceptive mailings that include envelops marked “Census” and include a “census tracking code.”  People should review all mailings carefully to ensure that they are indeed from the Census Bureau.  Official Census Bureau documents will never ask for your full social security number, money or a donation, PIN codes, passwords, or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.  Also, the Bureau never sends requests on behalf of a political party.  If residents are suspicious of a mailing, they can contact Rep. Berman’s office, the Census Bureau, or the Postmaster General’s office.

For additional information about the Census, please call Rep. Berman’s district office at (818) 994-7200 or visit http://2010.census.gov.