Redeux News: The 2010 Census is important for Detroit

Gary Brown is President ProTem of the Detroit City Council

Why the 2010 U.S. Census is Important to Detroiters Dear Pamela,    The following article will appear in today's print edition of the Michigan Chronicle.     Detroiters are a resilient bunch. We are proud of our city and continue to work hard every day to lift ourselves and others up as we continue to address our challenges. There is one simple step we can each take-I took the step-to make an impact on our city for the next 10 years: Participate in the 2010 U.S. Census.    The Census tracks residency. This determines the amount of federal dollars we will receive and how we are represented in U.S. Congress. Your participation is vital to the future of our city since federal dollars help us provide job training, public safety, senior centers, public housing, and funding for public works projects such as bridges and roads.    One uncounted Detroit resident in the 2010 Census could cost us at least $15,000 in a 10-year period. So if 100 residents fail to participate $1.5 Million in federal funds could be lost; funds for public safety and infrastructure. You can clearly see with these figures that taking the small step to participate in the Census can directly affect our future.    The federal government also bases the Census resident figures on how we are represented in U.S. Congress. Therefore, if our population drops due to a significant under count in the Census, we lose another voice in Congress.    What does that mean for you, your family and me? It lessens our stature and power nationally which will likely affect the passing of bills that include additional federal dollars and specific services directed to Detroit.    I ask you, as a fellow citizen, to participate in the Census. The Census form is confidential and will only be used for counting the number of residents and relevant demographic information. If you or a loved one are concerned about your Census information being used for purposes other than counting residency, you need not worry. It is against the law to share Census Bureau respondents' information with anyone, including the IRS, FBI, CIA or any other governmental agency.   If you did not complete the Census form (the mail-in return deadline has passed), I ask you to call the regional office today at (313) 396-5200 or visit http://2010.census.gov to add your information.    Together, the City Council and Mayor's office are working to return Detroit to financial stability. Your participation in the Census is the opportunity to make a mark on our recovery.     Keep posted to www.garybrown4detroit.com, the new City Council Website and my Twitter account for frequent updates on the 2010-2011 City of Detroit budget review process that begins tomorrow. Together, we possess the power to become the best of Detroit.     Council President Pro Tem Gary A. Brown

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