In about a month or so everybody reading this should start receiving mail to fill out the 2020 census. We do this every 10 years.
Here's why it's important and here's why we need local volunteers to help with the census count.
At the top of the list is the number of members each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. Alabama currently has seven and Florida has 27 based on population. The new census numbers will tell us whether each of these states gain a representative or lose one.
We've read concerns that Alabama may be a state to lose a House seat based on population, which will be decided by the 2020 census.
The census numbers have other key issues attached, like funding for education, heath care and infrastructure with federal dollars. In laymen's terms we are talking about federal grant money.
Numbers matter. While we still don't understand why illegals should be counted in terms of House seats and spending federal tax dollars, it still matters.
We've watched over the years as certain areas get federal grant money based on income and the racial breakdown of such areas. Most, not all, grant money is sent to areas with low income and minority residents.
So, here's where the rubber meets the road and here's the big elephant in the room. After the census mailing is complete, people will be knocking on your door to see how many people live in your home.
Not to be confused as a racist, but we don't need a white man in a coat and tie knocking on doors in a black neighborhood. Call it profiling, call it what you want, call us racist if you want to – but facts are facts.
This is where you come in, whether you live in Atmore, Brewton, Flomaton, Century or Jay. Reach out to your local government to volunteer in the census process.
The bottom line is everybody needs to be counted – white, black, Hispanic red, blue or purple.
These numbers will be on the books for the next 10 years. These numbers will dictate a lot of federal funding for your community. Get counted.
