WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) held a call this morning with U.S. Census officials and state and local elected representatives to talk about ensuring a full and accurate count of Missouri’s Eighth District residents in the 2010 Census.  Emerson noted that the Census is in need of individuals throughout Southern Missouri to work for the agency in the next few months while the count is conducted.

“Not only is a complete count of our residents important to make sure congressional districts are properly apportioned, but it is also essential to make sure that Missouri gets its fair share of funding from federal programs for transportation, education, economic development and other purposes,” Emerson said. “I’m very glad we are all on the same page.  The Census count is a key measurement of population, and we only get one opportunity every ten years to revise the numbers used in the formulas for these federal programs.”

Emerson urged Missouri public servants on the call to be active participants in the Census process in the communities and counties they represent.

“They can do a number of helpful things for the Census, from finding qualified people to work for the Census for a few months to helping implement the Census in the Schools program that demonstrates the value of each student counted to the federal funding for our rural schools districts.  Over ten years, the federal funds per student really do add up,” Emerson said.

More information about the 2010 U.S. Census is available at www.census.gov.