2010 Census Letters Arrive Soon; Census Jobs Still Available

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- By now many Oklahomans have received a letter in their mailboxes about the 2010 Census form making its way next week.

The letter states, "Your response is important. Results from the 2010 Census will be used to help each community get its fair share of government funds for highways, schools, health facilities, and many other programs you and your neighbors need. Without a complete, accurate census, your community may not receive its fair share."

Sidna Madden, local manager for the U. S. Census Bureau, breaks down the numbers on how the census has helped Oklahoma in the past. Here are a few things Oklahoma received because people took the time to fill out their Census forms:

• 2002 - $1.8 billion for medical assistance

• 2003 - $491.8 million for highway planning and construction

• 2004 - $150.6 million for temporary assistance for needy families

• 2005 - $29.2 million for veterans programs

• 2006 - $35.6 million for child support enforcement

• 2007 – $30.6 million for community development state and entitlement block grants

"During the 2000 Census, 64 percent of Oklahoma households returned their forms," said Madden. "The Census Bureau estimates a 1 percentage point increase in Oklahoma's mail response rate, will save an estimated $1 million in our federal tax dollars, so there is plenty of potential for savings."

There are still 2,000 job openings with the Census in the Oklahoma area. Learn more about the available Census jobs.