Minnesota residents who head south during the cold months or
“snowbirds” may not be sure about when—and where—they should complete
their Census 2010 questionnaire. Minnesota State Demographer Tom
Gillaspy recommends that Minnesota residents who reside out of state
for the winter months answer only the 2010 Census form they receive
at their Minnesota address.
Gillaspy said residents decide what their usual address is, so
snowbirds could complete their census questionnaire at either their
Minnesota residence or their part-time home. However, Gillaspy added,
“By using their Minnesota address, Minnesotans benefit their home
state.”
According to the State Demographic Center, the 2010 Census is
critical for Minnesota. Apportionment— resetting the number of U.S.
House of Representative seats allocated to each state as required by
the Constitution— is based on the populations counted in the Census
taken every 10 years. States projected to lose seats are Illinois,
Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania and Ohio (which is expected to lose two). States
projected to gain seats are Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, South
Carolina, Utah, Washington and Texas (which is expected to gain four
seats).
The State Demographic Center estimates that fewer than 3,000 people
are needed for Minnesota to retain its eight congressional districts.
Gillaspy said, “If they respond to the Census form they receive at
their winter ‘snowbird’ address, they will be counted as residents of
that state, not Minnesota. If even a fraction of Minnesotans miss
this opportunity, we could easily be left with only seven
representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Census questionnaires will be delivered to all addresses nationwide
in mid-March. The forms must be returned to the Census Bureau by
April 1.
In addition to determining Congressional representation, Census
information determines the allocation of more than $400 billion in
federal funding for everything from education to transportation. The
business community also uses Census information for planning,
marketing, labor force projections and more.
03-11-10 Community members are invited to make a keepsake Easter
basket for a child or to
