An editorial from the Sun Herald...
Following the 2000 Census, South Mississippi gained a seat in the state House of Representatives: District 95, which meanders north from Diamondhead in Hancock County to East Saucier in Harrison County, where it plunges south through Orange Grove, shoots east into the Bel Aire precincts of Gulfport and finally bottoms out south of Interstate 10 just outside of Long Beach.
Even though the area is represented by Jessica Upshaw, a Republican from Diamondhead, South Mississippi legislators of both parties are concerned about the chances of the district staying in South Mississippi during the redistricting process that will follow the 2010 Census.
Population estimates show roughly as many people live in the six southernmost counties now as did 10 years ago. But the numbers have shifted. In the north, George, Pearl River and Stone counties have gained population, while in the south, Hancock and Harrison counties have lost population. Jackson County is about where it was.
Next year, those estimates will be turned into hard numbers. It is vital that each South Mississippian is counted, so that all will be properly represented at the Capitol.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Daily Journal: Census soon
Daily Journal describes importance of being counted in Census 2010...
The year ahead offers many challenges for Mississippi. Paying for critical state services in a time of plummeting revenues and reviving a recession-battered economy are just two of the most obvious.
But one of the toughest challenges may be one of the most basic - getting everybody in the state counted.
In 2010, the nation will have its decennial census as prescribed by the Constitution. To say there's a lot riding on the outcome is an understatement.
An accurate count can make the difference in how much of $400 billion in federal aid Mississippi gets. The census also determines how many representatives each state gets in Congress for the next 10 years.
The 2000 census hit Mississippi with the loss of one of its five congressional seats. While our state showed some population growth, it wasn't as much as others who gained additional Washington representation at Mississippi's expense.
The U.S. Census bureau issues annual population estimates, and Mississippi in the recently released 2009 figures has 2,951,996 people, a 0.4 percent increase over 2008 and about 3.8 percent more than the official 2000 count of 2,844,666. Obviously, that's not fast-paced growth, which makes counting everyone next year that much more important.
One of the factors that is likely to hurt Mississippi is the outmigration from the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina's devastation uprooted so many lives in 2005. A lot of those residents moved into other parts of Mississippi, but others left the state entirely.
Some activists are lobbying for a special Census along the Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama coasts after the official 2010 count, which is supposed to reflect where people are living as of April 1. But that would be costly, and there's no indication of where the money would come from.
It won't be long before the Census effort cranks up. Census forms will be mailed or delivered to every household in March, with a request that they be returned by April 1, which is "National Census Day." From April through July, workers will knock on doors of those households that didn't return a form. In December, an official report with the numbers will be delivered to the president.
Mississippians can do their state a great favor by responding to the Census and returning the form as instructed. This will save everyone time and money, as well as helping ensure an accurate count.
This isn't some intrusive exercise by the federal government; it's a necessary procedure firmly rooted in our constitutional system. In short, cooperating fully with Census takers is a patriotic thing to do - and of vital importance to our state.
The year ahead offers many challenges for Mississippi. Paying for critical state services in a time of plummeting revenues and reviving a recession-battered economy are just two of the most obvious.
But one of the toughest challenges may be one of the most basic - getting everybody in the state counted.
In 2010, the nation will have its decennial census as prescribed by the Constitution. To say there's a lot riding on the outcome is an understatement.
An accurate count can make the difference in how much of $400 billion in federal aid Mississippi gets. The census also determines how many representatives each state gets in Congress for the next 10 years.
The 2000 census hit Mississippi with the loss of one of its five congressional seats. While our state showed some population growth, it wasn't as much as others who gained additional Washington representation at Mississippi's expense.
The U.S. Census bureau issues annual population estimates, and Mississippi in the recently released 2009 figures has 2,951,996 people, a 0.4 percent increase over 2008 and about 3.8 percent more than the official 2000 count of 2,844,666. Obviously, that's not fast-paced growth, which makes counting everyone next year that much more important.
One of the factors that is likely to hurt Mississippi is the outmigration from the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina's devastation uprooted so many lives in 2005. A lot of those residents moved into other parts of Mississippi, but others left the state entirely.
Some activists are lobbying for a special Census along the Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama coasts after the official 2010 count, which is supposed to reflect where people are living as of April 1. But that would be costly, and there's no indication of where the money would come from.
It won't be long before the Census effort cranks up. Census forms will be mailed or delivered to every household in March, with a request that they be returned by April 1, which is "National Census Day." From April through July, workers will knock on doors of those households that didn't return a form. In December, an official report with the numbers will be delivered to the president.
Mississippians can do their state a great favor by responding to the Census and returning the form as instructed. This will save everyone time and money, as well as helping ensure an accurate count.
This isn't some intrusive exercise by the federal government; it's a necessary procedure firmly rooted in our constitutional system. In short, cooperating fully with Census takers is a patriotic thing to do - and of vital importance to our state.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Census to show growth in MS population from 2008-09
A Census story, just in time for Christmas. From today's Clarion Ledger...
Despite an estimated 3,600 people having left the state last fiscal year, Mississippi had some growth to move even closer to a 3 million population mark, thanks to more births than deaths.
The state's population is 2,951,996, an increase of 0.4 percent, according to state-by-state estimates the Census Bureau released Wednesday.
According to the last of the agency's annual population estimates before the decennial count in 2010, Mississippians made up for the loss in net migration by having more children. The Census Bureau estimates there were 44,125 births through July 1 over 28,934 deaths.
One-year-old L'deja Blevins contributed to the estimated 11,784 growth in the state's population in the fiscal year ending June 30.
Mississippi is a fine place to grow up, said Dorothy Blevins, L'deja's grandmother, as she pushed her fifth grandchild in a stroller toward the Babies 'R' Us in Flowood Wednesday afternoon. "I've been here all my life," she said.
Mississippi's estimated growth keeps the state at its current ranking as 31st most populous. California, with 37 million residents, remains the state with the largest population, followed by Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois.
State leaders are beginning to talk up the upcoming 2010 census and the importance the count has on federal funding formulas and political representation.
Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes plans to discuss the census at Tuesday's council meeting as a way to urge city residents to participate.
A lot of urban residents are distrustful of census takers and are reluctant to answer the questions truthfully, he said. It is up to local leaders to "take the fear out of it," he said.
"A lot of people say the black community has always been undercounted," he said. "I think it is important that you put your best foot forward so that you are properly counted."
That's true on the Gulf Coast, too, where tens of thousands of people were displaced four years ago by Hurricane Katrina, Stokes said. Stokes said he fears an inaccurate count could cost the state political representation in Washington as it did a decade ago.
The 2000 census determined Mississippi grew to 2.8 million people in the 1990s, but that 10.5 percent growth was behind the national average of 13.2 percent. As a result, Mississippi lost a seat in the House of Representatives.
Census figures also are used in awarding federal dollars. Each year, more than $300 billion in federal funds is awarded to states, based on the census data.
The projections released Wednesday determined the state has grown by 3.8 percent since 2000, while the nation has grown 9.1 percent.
Census Director Robert Groves has suggested a special census be conducted on the Gulf Coast after the 2010 census to count people who have yet to return. Someone would have to pay for it, he said.
Dan Turner, spokesman for Gov. Haley Barbour, said there is little extra money available for the state to pay for a special count. It likely would not change much anyway, he said.
"I think the supposition is that a great deal of Mississippi Gulf Coast residents have returned at this point," he said. "But the larger concern for Mississippi right now would be the cost. Given that we are looking at at least two, if not several, more really tough budget years, the idea of coming up with the extra money for another count on the Gulf Coast is a problem."
There are no cost estimates for such a count, but some on the Gulf Coast are advocating for it.
Experts say there are some challenges to conducting a special census, including counting people who are temporarily staying at a home.
"Under normal conditions, there's always a bit of error associated with taking any census,'' said Audrey Singer, a senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution. "But at this point, I don't think the pace of in-and-out migration in the Gulf Coast is as much as it was directly following the storms. So we're not talking about a lot of in-and-out movement ... It's not high velocity.''
One of the more pressing challenges, she said, is whether local governments can afford to pay for it.
About 300 special censuses have been conducted since the 2000 count, said Pat Paytas, a program analyst with the census. Paytas said local governments request the counts so they can get more federal funding, but they must weigh the cost of paying for the special count against the benefit.
Mississippi was one of 10 states to lose people through migration.
Michigan, hard hit by the recession, lost the most with 87,339 people leaving for elsewhere in the United States. The state was one of three to record an overall population loss. Maine and Rhode Island also had small losses.
Despite an estimated 3,600 people having left the state last fiscal year, Mississippi had some growth to move even closer to a 3 million population mark, thanks to more births than deaths.
The state's population is 2,951,996, an increase of 0.4 percent, according to state-by-state estimates the Census Bureau released Wednesday.
According to the last of the agency's annual population estimates before the decennial count in 2010, Mississippians made up for the loss in net migration by having more children. The Census Bureau estimates there were 44,125 births through July 1 over 28,934 deaths.
One-year-old L'deja Blevins contributed to the estimated 11,784 growth in the state's population in the fiscal year ending June 30.
Mississippi is a fine place to grow up, said Dorothy Blevins, L'deja's grandmother, as she pushed her fifth grandchild in a stroller toward the Babies 'R' Us in Flowood Wednesday afternoon. "I've been here all my life," she said.
Mississippi's estimated growth keeps the state at its current ranking as 31st most populous. California, with 37 million residents, remains the state with the largest population, followed by Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois.
State leaders are beginning to talk up the upcoming 2010 census and the importance the count has on federal funding formulas and political representation.
Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes plans to discuss the census at Tuesday's council meeting as a way to urge city residents to participate.
A lot of urban residents are distrustful of census takers and are reluctant to answer the questions truthfully, he said. It is up to local leaders to "take the fear out of it," he said.
"A lot of people say the black community has always been undercounted," he said. "I think it is important that you put your best foot forward so that you are properly counted."
That's true on the Gulf Coast, too, where tens of thousands of people were displaced four years ago by Hurricane Katrina, Stokes said. Stokes said he fears an inaccurate count could cost the state political representation in Washington as it did a decade ago.
The 2000 census determined Mississippi grew to 2.8 million people in the 1990s, but that 10.5 percent growth was behind the national average of 13.2 percent. As a result, Mississippi lost a seat in the House of Representatives.
Census figures also are used in awarding federal dollars. Each year, more than $300 billion in federal funds is awarded to states, based on the census data.
The projections released Wednesday determined the state has grown by 3.8 percent since 2000, while the nation has grown 9.1 percent.
Census Director Robert Groves has suggested a special census be conducted on the Gulf Coast after the 2010 census to count people who have yet to return. Someone would have to pay for it, he said.
Dan Turner, spokesman for Gov. Haley Barbour, said there is little extra money available for the state to pay for a special count. It likely would not change much anyway, he said.
"I think the supposition is that a great deal of Mississippi Gulf Coast residents have returned at this point," he said. "But the larger concern for Mississippi right now would be the cost. Given that we are looking at at least two, if not several, more really tough budget years, the idea of coming up with the extra money for another count on the Gulf Coast is a problem."
There are no cost estimates for such a count, but some on the Gulf Coast are advocating for it.
Experts say there are some challenges to conducting a special census, including counting people who are temporarily staying at a home.
"Under normal conditions, there's always a bit of error associated with taking any census,'' said Audrey Singer, a senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution. "But at this point, I don't think the pace of in-and-out migration in the Gulf Coast is as much as it was directly following the storms. So we're not talking about a lot of in-and-out movement ... It's not high velocity.''
One of the more pressing challenges, she said, is whether local governments can afford to pay for it.
About 300 special censuses have been conducted since the 2000 count, said Pat Paytas, a program analyst with the census. Paytas said local governments request the counts so they can get more federal funding, but they must weigh the cost of paying for the special count against the benefit.
Mississippi was one of 10 states to lose people through migration.
Michigan, hard hit by the recession, lost the most with 87,339 people leaving for elsewhere in the United States. The state was one of three to record an overall population loss. Maine and Rhode Island also had small losses.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Special Gulf Coast Census eyed...
From today's Clarion Ledger:
WASHINGTON - It would only be "fair" for the federal government to conduct a special census in the Gulf Coast to count displaced residents who return to the region after the 2010 census, according to the head of the Census Bureau.
The question is: Who would pay for it?
"The fair thing to do for the country is to do another count of that area later on," Robert Groves said in an interview. He said Gulf Coast communities are still working to help residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed to return.
"They're rebuilding. They want more people there. People are coming back."
Census officials, local governments and community groups have raised concerns that the 2010 census count won't include all Gulf Coast residents, particularly those who haven't yet returned after the 2005 hurricanes. Every 10 years, the Census Bureau conducts a constitutionally-required count of residents living in the United States. Residents must be counted where they live on April 1, so displaced Gulf Coast residents will be counted wherever they are living on that day.
Much is at stake for Gulf Coast communities. Census data are used to distribute $400 billion in federal funds and determine the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives.
Community activists in the Gulf Coast and national civil rights groups are calling for a special census.
"If they haven't made it home by now, they won't be able to take advantage of their recovery dollars," said Trupania Bonner, executive director of Moving Forward Gulf Coast, a community group helping residents in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Groves said the agency has conducted more than 300 special censuses since the last major count in 2000. Many were for communities that had population growth or annexations and were looking for more federal funding, said Pat Paytas, a program analyst at the Census Bureau.
Groves said the bureau could return to the Gulf Coast for a special census if local governments or the state request a count.
But the cost of a special census must be reimbursed and it is unknown whether state or local governments in the Gulf Coast would be willing and able to pay for it.
"If the Census Bureau can get behind doing an interim count of the Gulf Coast region between the 2010 and 2020 census, then that would be a terrific way to be able to gauge how the region is growing," said Audrey Singer, a census expert at the Brookings Institution. "However, the cost and the politics of doing such a count may prevent it from happening."
Groves said he doesn't know how much a special census for the Gulf Coast would cost.
"I'm not saying it's cheap, but somehow other areas have gotten the political will to assemble the money," Groves said. "It is a matter of will."
Groves said the governments could seek federal or private funding.
Marc Morial, chairman of the Census Bureau's 2010 Census Advisory Committee and president of the National Urban League, said Congress could include the cost of the special census in the 2011 budget.
But congressional lawmakers, including Sen. Thomas Carper, D-Del., chairman of a subcommittee that oversees the Census Bureau, have raised concerns about the cost.
Morial, a former mayor of New Orleans, said the count is important to help communities get federal funds to rebuild. "It's something they should do quickly - 2011 at the latest," he said.
But Paytas said the earliest there could be a special count would be 2012.
The Census Bureau is aware of the challenges of doing the 2010 count in Gulf Coast states and is planning to take steps to address the concerns, including going door-to-door in some parts of the region to make sure hundreds of thousands of residents get questionnaires.
WASHINGTON - It would only be "fair" for the federal government to conduct a special census in the Gulf Coast to count displaced residents who return to the region after the 2010 census, according to the head of the Census Bureau.
The question is: Who would pay for it?
"The fair thing to do for the country is to do another count of that area later on," Robert Groves said in an interview. He said Gulf Coast communities are still working to help residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed to return.
"They're rebuilding. They want more people there. People are coming back."
Census officials, local governments and community groups have raised concerns that the 2010 census count won't include all Gulf Coast residents, particularly those who haven't yet returned after the 2005 hurricanes. Every 10 years, the Census Bureau conducts a constitutionally-required count of residents living in the United States. Residents must be counted where they live on April 1, so displaced Gulf Coast residents will be counted wherever they are living on that day.
Much is at stake for Gulf Coast communities. Census data are used to distribute $400 billion in federal funds and determine the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives.
Community activists in the Gulf Coast and national civil rights groups are calling for a special census.
"If they haven't made it home by now, they won't be able to take advantage of their recovery dollars," said Trupania Bonner, executive director of Moving Forward Gulf Coast, a community group helping residents in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Groves said the agency has conducted more than 300 special censuses since the last major count in 2000. Many were for communities that had population growth or annexations and were looking for more federal funding, said Pat Paytas, a program analyst at the Census Bureau.
Groves said the bureau could return to the Gulf Coast for a special census if local governments or the state request a count.
But the cost of a special census must be reimbursed and it is unknown whether state or local governments in the Gulf Coast would be willing and able to pay for it.
"If the Census Bureau can get behind doing an interim count of the Gulf Coast region between the 2010 and 2020 census, then that would be a terrific way to be able to gauge how the region is growing," said Audrey Singer, a census expert at the Brookings Institution. "However, the cost and the politics of doing such a count may prevent it from happening."
Groves said he doesn't know how much a special census for the Gulf Coast would cost.
"I'm not saying it's cheap, but somehow other areas have gotten the political will to assemble the money," Groves said. "It is a matter of will."
Groves said the governments could seek federal or private funding.
Marc Morial, chairman of the Census Bureau's 2010 Census Advisory Committee and president of the National Urban League, said Congress could include the cost of the special census in the 2011 budget.
But congressional lawmakers, including Sen. Thomas Carper, D-Del., chairman of a subcommittee that oversees the Census Bureau, have raised concerns about the cost.
Morial, a former mayor of New Orleans, said the count is important to help communities get federal funds to rebuild. "It's something they should do quickly - 2011 at the latest," he said.
But Paytas said the earliest there could be a special count would be 2012.
The Census Bureau is aware of the challenges of doing the 2010 count in Gulf Coast states and is planning to take steps to address the concerns, including going door-to-door in some parts of the region to make sure hundreds of thousands of residents get questionnaires.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Warren County promotes Census 2010
From the Vicksburg Post...
An effort has begun in Warren County to get all residents counted during the 2010 census.
Community events and notices are part of a local and nationwide push by a Complete County Committee that wants to let residents know census forms will arrive in March.
"Right now, the main thing is getting the word out," Kelvin Rankin, a Census Bureau partnership specialist working with the local committee, told The Vicksburg Post.
U.S. population counts have taken place every 10 years since 1790, with each shift affecting representation in Congress and federal funding for various projects.
Warren County's return rate was 63 percent in 2000, about the same as the statewide rate.
The 2010 survey will ask a person's name, sex, age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, relationship and housing tenure.
Warren County had 49,644 citizens in 2000, up nearly 2,000 from 1990. Slight drops have been recorded in bureau estimates since, most recently at 48,087 in 2008.
The 2000 count for Vicksburg, the county's largest city, was 26,407, up nearly 5,500 from 1990.
The Census Bureau released data in May showing Warren County has become a "minority-majority" county, meaning less than 50 percent of the population is non-Hispanic white.
The percentage that emerges from 2010's count will be of special importance to committee chairman Marie Thompson, a policy and intergovernmental relations official with the City of Vicksburg, who is Hispanic.
Next year's census allows for a person to identify under one or more Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin groups by country. Thompson said she'll be checking the box for Mexican, as both maternal grandparents hailed from south of the U.S. border.
"Before, I was counted as Caucasian," Thompson said.
Five local United Way agencies will hold two events each to raise awareness about the census, United Way of West Central Mississippi executive director Barbara Tolliver said.
Other outreach will be conducted by the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce and the NAACP Vicksburg Chapter.
An effort has begun in Warren County to get all residents counted during the 2010 census.
Community events and notices are part of a local and nationwide push by a Complete County Committee that wants to let residents know census forms will arrive in March.
"Right now, the main thing is getting the word out," Kelvin Rankin, a Census Bureau partnership specialist working with the local committee, told The Vicksburg Post.
U.S. population counts have taken place every 10 years since 1790, with each shift affecting representation in Congress and federal funding for various projects.
Warren County's return rate was 63 percent in 2000, about the same as the statewide rate.
The 2010 survey will ask a person's name, sex, age, date of birth, race, ethnicity, relationship and housing tenure.
Warren County had 49,644 citizens in 2000, up nearly 2,000 from 1990. Slight drops have been recorded in bureau estimates since, most recently at 48,087 in 2008.
The 2000 count for Vicksburg, the county's largest city, was 26,407, up nearly 5,500 from 1990.
The Census Bureau released data in May showing Warren County has become a "minority-majority" county, meaning less than 50 percent of the population is non-Hispanic white.
The percentage that emerges from 2010's count will be of special importance to committee chairman Marie Thompson, a policy and intergovernmental relations official with the City of Vicksburg, who is Hispanic.
Next year's census allows for a person to identify under one or more Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin groups by country. Thompson said she'll be checking the box for Mexican, as both maternal grandparents hailed from south of the U.S. border.
"Before, I was counted as Caucasian," Thompson said.
Five local United Way agencies will hold two events each to raise awareness about the census, United Way of West Central Mississippi executive director Barbara Tolliver said.
Other outreach will be conducted by the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce and the NAACP Vicksburg Chapter.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Bolivar: Hard-to-count area critical during Census 2010
From the Bolivar Commercial...
A local representative with the U.S. Census Bureau addressed the North Bolivar School Board Monday night about the census’ impact on the community.
Betty Petty, Census Bureau representative, explained to board members how money can be lost from incomplete population counts.
“We are in a hard to count area here,” said Petty. “Our people are not being counted and I’m talking specifically about everyone in the community.”
People who live in less accessible areas of communities are less likely to be counted in the census.
“We lose economic dollars and we know that in some of our communities people live in front of the street and have someone else living behind them in a separate house.”
Petty urged the whole community to get involved in ensuring all local residents are accounted for.
“Who knows our community better than the way we know it,” said Petty. “People need to get involved and tell somebody that they can call to get a job with the bureau and to make sure our people are counted.”
Petty said that many residents do not send the census forms back in because they get the idea the information they put down on the form will be distributed or made public.
“That is a myth, everything is confidential,” said Petty.
Employment with the bureau is still open for the up and coming spring census.
“That’s how we get money for our school districts and businesses,” said Petty.
According to the bureau census questionnaires will not be delivered to households until mid-March of 2010.
The last U.S. census administered was in the year 2000.
For more information about census jobs call 1-866-861-2010.
A local representative with the U.S. Census Bureau addressed the North Bolivar School Board Monday night about the census’ impact on the community.
Betty Petty, Census Bureau representative, explained to board members how money can be lost from incomplete population counts.
“We are in a hard to count area here,” said Petty. “Our people are not being counted and I’m talking specifically about everyone in the community.”
People who live in less accessible areas of communities are less likely to be counted in the census.
“We lose economic dollars and we know that in some of our communities people live in front of the street and have someone else living behind them in a separate house.”
Petty urged the whole community to get involved in ensuring all local residents are accounted for.
“Who knows our community better than the way we know it,” said Petty. “People need to get involved and tell somebody that they can call to get a job with the bureau and to make sure our people are counted.”
Petty said that many residents do not send the census forms back in because they get the idea the information they put down on the form will be distributed or made public.
“That is a myth, everything is confidential,” said Petty.
Employment with the bureau is still open for the up and coming spring census.
“That’s how we get money for our school districts and businesses,” said Petty.
According to the bureau census questionnaires will not be delivered to households until mid-March of 2010.
The last U.S. census administered was in the year 2000.
For more information about census jobs call 1-866-861-2010.
Columbus CCC seeks volunteers to help promote statewide count
From the Columbus Dispatch...
Next year marks the 2010 Census, and the Lowndes County Complete Count Committee is seeking volunteers to help better inform the public.
“A lot of people do not know what the Census is about, and we want to let people know how important it is to fill out the forms,” said Lowndes County Complete Count Committee chairman Sharon Lewis.
The committee met Monday evening at the Columbus Public Library to discuss ways to inform citizens throughout the county.
“We are contacting local utility companies asking them to put a note on their water, gas or electric bills to remind people about the 2010 census,” Lewis said.
Committee secretary Jo Shumake said the committee has been meeting since June, putting things together.
Audrey Swanigan, partnership assistant with the U. S. Census Bureau, said she is working to get the word out about the census to the schools.
“I am working with schools in the Columbus Municipal School District and the Lowndes County District. I have also been in contact with school districts in Webster, Choctaw, Oktibbeha and Clay counties,” she said.
Swanigan said Complete Count committees such as the one in Lowndes County are volunteer teams consisting of leaders in community organizations, faith-based groups, schools, businesses and media outlets.
“We have 11 representatives; six appointed by the Columbus City Council and five by the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors,” Shumake said
She said they are also working with local churches to make sure pastors get out the necessary information to their members.
“The 2010 Census is important to our community, especially in terms of economic development,” she said.
People who wish to volunteer to be a part of this committee are encouraged to come to the next meeting at 5 p.m. Jan. 11 at the library.
“We want to have many people to help make a difference and make sure everyone gets counted,” Lewis said.
Next year marks the 2010 Census, and the Lowndes County Complete Count Committee is seeking volunteers to help better inform the public.
“A lot of people do not know what the Census is about, and we want to let people know how important it is to fill out the forms,” said Lowndes County Complete Count Committee chairman Sharon Lewis.
The committee met Monday evening at the Columbus Public Library to discuss ways to inform citizens throughout the county.
“We are contacting local utility companies asking them to put a note on their water, gas or electric bills to remind people about the 2010 census,” Lewis said.
Committee secretary Jo Shumake said the committee has been meeting since June, putting things together.
Audrey Swanigan, partnership assistant with the U. S. Census Bureau, said she is working to get the word out about the census to the schools.
“I am working with schools in the Columbus Municipal School District and the Lowndes County District. I have also been in contact with school districts in Webster, Choctaw, Oktibbeha and Clay counties,” she said.
Swanigan said Complete Count committees such as the one in Lowndes County are volunteer teams consisting of leaders in community organizations, faith-based groups, schools, businesses and media outlets.
“We have 11 representatives; six appointed by the Columbus City Council and five by the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors,” Shumake said
She said they are also working with local churches to make sure pastors get out the necessary information to their members.
“The 2010 Census is important to our community, especially in terms of economic development,” she said.
People who wish to volunteer to be a part of this committee are encouraged to come to the next meeting at 5 p.m. Jan. 11 at the library.
“We want to have many people to help make a difference and make sure everyone gets counted,” Lewis said.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
More coastal info on Census jobs
From the Sun Herald...
Need a job? The U.S. Census Bureau might be able to help.
Census officials said Monday they plan to hire 2,000 part-time and full-time workers in South Mississippi.
“For the groundwork that will need to be done, this is the number we are focusing on,” said Kat A. Smith, media specialist with the bureau’s Dallas Regional Census Center.
Potential employees need not go to the Census Bureau office, which opening today in Gulfport.
Instead, those interested in a job should call 1-866-861-2010 to start the application process.
“The only way to get into the system is to call and get scheduled for the test,” she said. “The process is simple. Call the number and get on the list and take the test when scheduled.”
Testing will be arranged as lists of people to be tested are compiled, she said.
The Census Bureau plans to hire 1.4 million nationwide. “This region will seek to hire 111,000 individuals at peak,” Smith said. The Dallas region covers Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
South Mississippi census takers, called enumerators, will earn the highest pay in the state, $14.50 an hour.
Enumerators in Southhaven, Tupelo and Meridian will start at $10.50 per hour and in Jackson pay starts at $12.25 per hour, according to the Census Bureau’s Web site, www.2010census.gov.
Rates vary across the nation and many factors are considered in determining the base pay, Smith said.
Workers in nearby New Orleans will start at $17.50 per hour, according to the Web site.
The majority of workers will be hired to hand-deliver Census questionnaires to ensure an accurate 2010 count so the $400 billion in federal money available will be fairly distributed.
A sample test is available on the Web site, Smith said.
The Gulfport office at 14055 Seaway Blvd. will handle payroll and operations for all employees in Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, George, Stone and Pearl River counties, Smith said. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Need a job? The U.S. Census Bureau might be able to help.
Census officials said Monday they plan to hire 2,000 part-time and full-time workers in South Mississippi.
“For the groundwork that will need to be done, this is the number we are focusing on,” said Kat A. Smith, media specialist with the bureau’s Dallas Regional Census Center.
Potential employees need not go to the Census Bureau office, which opening today in Gulfport.
Instead, those interested in a job should call 1-866-861-2010 to start the application process.
“The only way to get into the system is to call and get scheduled for the test,” she said. “The process is simple. Call the number and get on the list and take the test when scheduled.”
Testing will be arranged as lists of people to be tested are compiled, she said.
The Census Bureau plans to hire 1.4 million nationwide. “This region will seek to hire 111,000 individuals at peak,” Smith said. The Dallas region covers Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
South Mississippi census takers, called enumerators, will earn the highest pay in the state, $14.50 an hour.
Enumerators in Southhaven, Tupelo and Meridian will start at $10.50 per hour and in Jackson pay starts at $12.25 per hour, according to the Census Bureau’s Web site, www.2010census.gov.
Rates vary across the nation and many factors are considered in determining the base pay, Smith said.
Workers in nearby New Orleans will start at $17.50 per hour, according to the Web site.
The majority of workers will be hired to hand-deliver Census questionnaires to ensure an accurate 2010 count so the $400 billion in federal money available will be fairly distributed.
A sample test is available on the Web site, Smith said.
The Gulfport office at 14055 Seaway Blvd. will handle payroll and operations for all employees in Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, George, Stone and Pearl River counties, Smith said. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Census 2010 topic of discussion in coastal areas
WLOX had two stories regarding the upcoming 2010 Census... Moss Point volunteers urge residents to be counted through their local Complete Count Committee...
Starting pay for Census takers in coastal areas highest in the state!
Starting pay for Census takers in coastal areas highest in the state!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Black residents want to be counted in 2010 Census
From : WLBT
JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - As the new year approaches some African American communities are worried they will not be counted in the 2010 census.
"We believe it is from 30-50% of black men are historically under counted. That's actually a disservice to the black community, but it's also a disservice to Mississippi," said Jackson Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba.
The People's Task Force led by Councilman Lumumba met Saturday for the Fair Count To Fair Share Census Initiative. According to the Census Bureau, Mississippi has the highest percentage of black residents of any state at 38%, but Fair Count to Fair Share organizers claim the numbers aren't accurate. They say the problems are census workers who have poor outreach methods in black communities and the people who don't feel comfortable sharing information.
"When people come in the neighborhood that they don't know, gathering information or attempting to gather information we are very reluctant to do that," said Akil Bakari with the People's Task Force.
Councilman Lumumba believes Jackson residents need to know that their information will be safe to make sure they are putting more resources into getting more counts of our communities," said Lumumba Bandele of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement.
JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - As the new year approaches some African American communities are worried they will not be counted in the 2010 census.
"We believe it is from 30-50% of black men are historically under counted. That's actually a disservice to the black community, but it's also a disservice to Mississippi," said Jackson Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba.
The People's Task Force led by Councilman Lumumba met Saturday for the Fair Count To Fair Share Census Initiative. According to the Census Bureau, Mississippi has the highest percentage of black residents of any state at 38%, but Fair Count to Fair Share organizers claim the numbers aren't accurate. They say the problems are census workers who have poor outreach methods in black communities and the people who don't feel comfortable sharing information.
"When people come in the neighborhood that they don't know, gathering information or attempting to gather information we are very reluctant to do that," said Akil Bakari with the People's Task Force.
Councilman Lumumba believes Jackson residents need to know that their information will be safe to make sure they are putting more resources into getting more counts of our communities," said Lumumba Bandele of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Supervisors seeking Census volunteers
From the Sun Herald...
GULFPORT — Harrison County supervisors are looking for volunteers to serve on the Complete County Committee for the 2010 census.
Traycee Scott-Williams with the Census Bureau spoke to the board Monday and said she needs at least three volunteers from each district to serve on the committee.
The group will be made up of residents from civic groups, governments and churches and other organizations to help get the word out about the census.
“If we don’t get the word out, we won’t have an accurate count when we do the census,” she told the board.
Scott-Williams will hold a 45-minute training session Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Gulfport courthouse for the volunteers. The meeting will be held in the supervisors’ boardroom on the first floor.
The committee will develop and implement an outreach and awareness campaign to let residents in Harrison County know how important it is to fill out the census questionnaire.
Anyone interested in serving on the committee is asked to call 865-4116.
GULFPORT — Harrison County supervisors are looking for volunteers to serve on the Complete County Committee for the 2010 census.
Traycee Scott-Williams with the Census Bureau spoke to the board Monday and said she needs at least three volunteers from each district to serve on the committee.
The group will be made up of residents from civic groups, governments and churches and other organizations to help get the word out about the census.
“If we don’t get the word out, we won’t have an accurate count when we do the census,” she told the board.
Scott-Williams will hold a 45-minute training session Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Gulfport courthouse for the volunteers. The meeting will be held in the supervisors’ boardroom on the first floor.
The committee will develop and implement an outreach and awareness campaign to let residents in Harrison County know how important it is to fill out the census questionnaire.
Anyone interested in serving on the committee is asked to call 865-4116.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
