KITCHEN URGES CONSTITUENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN 2010 CENSUS

            PHILADELPHIA, February 1 — State Sen. Shirley Kitchen today stressed the importance of Pennsylvanians making their voices heard and fully participating in the upcoming U.S. Census.

            “Not only does the census determine Pennsylvania’s representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, which affects the number of seats — and legislative involvement — our state occupies, but it also helps determine the distribution of more than $400 billion annually of federal funding for critical community services,” Kitchen said.

            “Services such as hospitals, schools, senior centers, job training resources, bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects, emergency services and much more could be affected,” she continued. “The census helps distribute funding for services to the populations who need it most, while improving the quality of life for all citizens. In other words, the census is the community’s voice.”

            Every household will receive a census questionnaire featuring 10 questions, which will be mailed out in March. The form, which the Census Bureau says requires less personal information than a credit card application, is shorter and easier than past questionnaires, and the information is completely confidential and used only for statistical purposes. Federal law protects your identity and the Census Bureau cannot share your information with anyone — including other federal agencies and law enforcement. There are severe penalties for any employee who violates this law.

            “Strong census participation is so essential to the amount of services and representation we receive over the next decade,” said Kitchen. “It’s so important that you fill it out accurately and return it promptly.”

            Kitchen added that her district office is available to help residents with their census form and answer questions about how the census works, why it is important to be counted and how a citizen’s privacy is protected.  Visit the office at 1701 W. Lehigh Ave., Suite 104 in Philadelphia or call 215-227-6161.

            For more information, visit the senator’s Web site, www.senatorkitchen.com

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