WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) urged Missourians to return their Census forms in an effort to exceed the state’s response rate from ten years ago and to top return rates from surrounding states.

“Focus on the Census ought to be stronger and interest in it ought to be higher.  This is a process that begins with mailing back Census forms and being counted by Census workers – but it ends with setting ten years of formulae for congressional representation and federal transportation and education funding,” Emerson said.

Missouri’s response rate currently stands at 72 percent, while Illinois has already exceeded its 2000 Census response rate.

“It’s not a competition, but it is extremely important to have an accurate Census.  There is a direct relationship between the response rate and the accuracy of the count,” Emerson said.  “So even if you have returned your Census forms, make sure to remind family members of this important civic duty.”