Take The 2020 Census To 'Make Pasco Count'

Press release from Pasco Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Moore:

June 18, 2020

The start of a new decade brings an important constitutional duty for all of our citizens. A little bit of your time now answering questions can make a big difference for the future of our community in Pasco County.

In mid-March, postcards started arriving in mailboxes inviting you to take the 2020 United States Census online. This is the first time the Census has had an online option for self-response. If you prefer, you can still submit your census by mail, telephone or in person to a Census Bureau representative. Beginning in May, Census Bureau representatives will be following up to addresses that did not respond.

It is important to know you will never be asked for sensitive personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers by a Census Bureau employee. Your responses are secure, confidential and protected by federal law.

Pasco County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida, and your participation in the census helps us plan for – and fund, a bright future for our communities. Being counted helps us fund the things you count on as a resident of our county. The roads you drive, the schools your children attend, and the vital public programs that serve our neighbors in need – all benefit from Census-driven aid. In addition, reapportionment for the United States House of Representatives is determined by the census data.

In 2010, Pasco County had an 83% response rate to the census. Our goal for 2020 is for a 100% response rate to ensure we have the representation and funding our community needs for the future.

To reach this goal, the Pasco County Commission has appointed a Complete Count Committee of members of the community to work on getting the word out. Each commissioner made two appointments for a 10-person group working hard to make sure Pasco County counts.

There are also complete count subcommittees to help with outreach. These subcommittees include education, interfaith, community-based/non-profit organizations, media/public information, business, veterans, seniors, multicultural and housing. If you would like to get involved with the work of the subcommittees, please email Census2020@mypasco.net.

Please encourage your friends and family to make sure they take the census as well to make sure our community is counted. You can also use the hashtag #MakePascoCount on social media.

The beauty of the Pasco County Census efforts is no matter who you are or what your situation in life is at the moment, you can make a difference for Pasco County’s future by being counted.

Remember, together we can make Pasco count!

This press release was produced by Pasco Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Moore. The views expressed here are the author's own.