Census Benefits for Women

Every 10 years the United States is required by constitutional law to take a census of the American people. The census is responsible for helping the government gauge how federal funds should be allocated over the years to come and determines the number of seats each state may hold in the U.S. House of Representatives.

More importantly however, and our focus today, is the impact the census results have on low to moderate income women, who deeply benefit from additional federal funding. According to the Government’s website, “The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like: hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels and other public work projects, and emergency services.” The information collected from the census is used not only by the government, but by countless female oriented organizations that provide care, assistance, and support based on this information to those needing it the most. By taking 10 minutes to answer 10 quick and simple questions women can provide answers that could potentially aid them in the future.

In the past, the census has helped bring key women’s issues to the forefront of both government and non-profit agencies’ agendas. Statistics such as the number of women in the U.S., with jobs, with children, of different racial backgrounds, married or single, renting or owning their home are all collected and developed from information gathered from the U.S. Census. This information will help women gain the funding they need for years to come. As President Obama says, “We can’t move forward until you mail it back.” So when you receive your 2010 census form in mid-March fill it out and send it back, because it could be the determining factor behind getting that additional assistance you need over the next 10 years.