Small Town News

State launches Web site to promote 2010 Census

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The state's Complete Count Committee has launched a new Web site to draw attention to the upcoming census. The new site, www.oa.mo.gov/mocensus, provides information for the public. The site contains information about the importance of the census, what it means for Missouri and how to get involved.

Governor Nixon established the Missouri Complete Count committee and housed it in the Office of Administration (OA) to heighten awareness of the 2010 census. The 26-member committee includes community leaders from across the state that will be working together to ensure every Missourian is counted in the 2010 Census. OA Commissioner Kelvin Simmons chairs the committee. It is estimated that Missouri could lose $1.3 million over the next decade for every 100 citizens not counted in the 2010 census. The state also could lose a Congressional seat.

"This Web site provides our citizens with all the information they need about the census. It is so important for Missouri to count all its citizens. This effort is an example of the state working with private entities to achieve our goal of counting everyone living in the state."

The committee members will devise the best ways to reach Missouri's hard-to-count populations and to educate all Missourians about the census. "We are looking to community members to carry the message that the census is important," said Dennis Johnson, director of the Kansas City regional office, which includes Missouri and five other states. "More than $300 billion in federal spending is distributed to state and local governments, community organizations and health care providers every year based on census data."

The Web site includes sample census questionnaires, fact sheets and information on how to form local committees. Existing local committees are asked to log on to the state site and list their events and other information. Additionally, citizens can sign up to work on subcommittees of the statewide committee.

For more information, please check out the new Web site, www.oa.mo.gov/mocensus.



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© 2009 Monroe County Appeal Paris, Missouri. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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