Mississippi Leaders Stress Importance of Accurate Count in 2010 Census

An accurate count in the 2010 census could help shape the future of Mississippi for years to come. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports on what is being done to make sure the count runs smoothly.

U.S. Census representatives met in Biloxi yesterday with local and statewide leaders to discuss the importance of the upcoming census set to begin on April 1, 2010. Gabriel Sanchez regional director for the census says people often times don’t realize how many decisions are affected by the count,

“Where that Starbucks is going to open up it’s going to be determined by how many people live there. Where that road is going to be built, where that school is going to be built. All federal funding based on population formula’s is based on census numbers.”

The census also determines congressional districts and as a result of 2000 census Mississippi lost one of those districts. Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant says that’s a real concern,

“That’s one of the reasons why it is so critically important that we get an accurate count of every citizen so that we are well positioned for our United States Congressmen, for our House of Representatives, for our Mississippi senators. We begin that fair and equitable redistribution process.”

The 2010 census is also expected to be the first accurate count of just what affects Hurricane Katrina had on displacing portions of Mississippi’s population. The latest version of the census will be the shortest in history, with only ten questions, in an attempt to get as many people possible to take part. The Census Bureau expects to hire 7500 people in the state beginning in March to help with the count.