The 2020 Census officially begins April 1, but an initial invitation to respond will begin appearing in mailboxes between March 12 and 20. For the first year in U.S. history, the census can be completed online in addition to responding by paper or phone. As a Questionnaire Assistance Center (QAC) for the 2020 Census, the Grand Marais Public Library, now closed to the public, will help people by phone of through the Internet to access the online survey site.
The United States Constitution requires the Census count. A small but powerful tool, the 12-question survey makes the resource needs of our community visible. Every 10 years, data from the count are used to determine how billions of dollars in federal funding will be allocated to our state and local schools, assistance programs, Medicaid, transit, fire departments and libraries. Census data are used to draw district lines and inform the number of congressional seats. They also inform infrastructure decisions regarding growth planning, roads, and hospitals.
Historically, some of the populations that may benefit most have been undercounted. The Census Bureau reported these groups have included young children, low income persons, undocumented persons, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ persons, persons who distrust the government, persons with mental or physical disabilities, and people that do not live in traditional housing. Cook County had a low response score for the 2010 census, which indicates a greater chance of an undercount in the 2020 census.
Minnesota Public Libraries are cooperating with the Minnesota State Demographic Center to create a network across the state to provide Minnesotans with the resources and assistance they need to submit their 2020 Census form. Grand Marais Public Library Director Amanda St. John says, “Library staff are not Census Bureau employees. Our aim is ensuring everyone who wants to access the survey can.”
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