Office Of The Governor

GOVERNOR CORZINE JOINS STATE LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES
TO KICK-OFF ONE YEAR COUNTDOWN TO CENSUS DAY APRIL 1, 2010

            TRENTON -- Governor Jon S. Corzine, along with State League of Municipalities officials, today launched the one-year countdown to the 2010 Census. The U.S. Census Bureau will begin its decennial nationwide head count exactly one year from today.

            "Stand up and be counted," Governor Corzine said. "The recent federal stimulus program that provided funding to states according to their population shows just how important it is that New Jersey receives its fair share based on an accurate count of every resident in the Garden State. In addition, the results of the 2010 Census will be used to distribute more than $300 billion dollars in federal funds each year to states and local communities. That's why it's so important that every New Jersey resident is counted in the upcoming 2010 Census"

            These funds, particularly during difficult economic times, are important for supporting hospitals, schools, better transportation and social services. The Census is also a foundation for democracy. Census results are used to apportion seats in the US House of Representatives and to redraw the boundaries of state legislative districts, congressional districts and even some voting districts.

            The Governor thanked the New Jersey League of Municipalities for taking the initiative in getting out and preparing for 2010 count.

            "Municipal leaders understand the importance of the census and we encourage them to engage local civic, community and faith-based organizations to reach out to their constituencies to provide grass-roots support for a complete count in New Jersey," the Governor said.

            The New Jersey State Data Center has started its "NJ's Counting on You" promotional campaign to raise awareness between now and the 2010 census date.

            "The State Data Center is the lead agency in cooperation with the US Census Bureau to make sure that every New Jersey resident is counted," said Labor Commissioner David J. Socolow. "Not only is counting every resident of extreme importance to our state, the Census 2010 could create thousands of jobs starting this year and through July, 2010. We urge job seekers to visit our One-Stop Career Centers to learn more about these opportunities."

            As New Jersey's lead agency on the Census 2010, the State Data Center is creating a "Complete Count Committee", through its State Data Center and other state agencies. The purpose of the "Complete Count Committees" is to use local strategies, resources, and events to reach out to community residents and deliver a basic message to a diverse population. That message is that the 2010 Census is easy -- simple and fast to complete and return; important -- distribution of federal funds, number of representatives in Congress and political boundaries are based on Census results; and safe -- by law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's answers with anyone including federal, state, and local agencies.

            It is anticipated that this message and the Complete Count Committee program will improve the rate of mail responses to Census questionnaires, particularly among hard-to-count areas and non-English or limited-English speaking households. For more information on Complete Count Committees and how to partner with the Census Bureau go to: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/pdf/CCCBrochure6-5-08.pdf or call a Regional Census Center. The New York region's phone number is 1-212- 584-3400. The Philadelphia region's phone number is 1-215-717-1800.

            The Census Bureau will hire thousands of individuals to assist with the 2010 Census. These positions range from clerical staff and enumerators to professional and managerial positions in the Local Census Offices and Census Information Centers. For more information on Census jobs, go to the nearest One-Stop Career Center, which can be found by visiting: www.nj.gov/labor or by calling the toll free number: 1-877-872-5627. Visit the 2010 Census website at: http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs or call the Census toll-free jobs line at 1-866-861-2010.