GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK ) – As we inch closer to the 2020 Census, Governor Tony Evers is taking steps to make sure every Wisconsinite is counted.
On Monday, he issued an executive order creating a statewide Complete Count Committee.
The US Census Bureau said those communities include children, low-income residents, people with disabilities, communities of color, and those living in rural areas.
The City of Green Bay has already been pro-active in forming its own Complete Count Committee, to make sure it’s taken seriously.
“What most people don’t know about the census is it’s a wonderful place to get information,” said Celestine Jeffreys who is heading the committee.
“Whenever I want to know how we’re doing regarding diversity, employment, how many veterans we have in our community I go to the census because it has accurate information.”
Jeffreys tells FOX 11 the census helps determine federal funding each state gets for the next 10 years.
“Funding for school districts, funding for roads, funding for housing because it’s all based on how many people live in a community and where do they live in the community.”
People will be able to respond to the census online for the first time in 2020, and by mail or phone. The US Census Bureau is also looking to hire thousands of workers by next spring.
Jeffreys says that can be a great part-time, temporary job.
“It’s a great experience for young people, it’s a great income supplement for people who want to get out and meet people in the community, especially people who may speak a different language to become a census worker.”.
Governor Evers said Wisconsin had one of the highest participation rates in the US during the last census in 2010.
The US Census Bureau’s deadline to respond is April First.
