We should all have the Census survey in our houses by now. (This is the 23rd U.S. Census. Previous Census was done in 2000.)
There are only 10 questions. [Questions have been greatly simplified. It does not ask for name, social security number, citizenship.]
It took us 3 minutes to complete it.
There is a stamped envelope to mail it back.
We can send it back in early; i.e., if we do not expect our household demographics to change, we can simply complete and send it back in.
If we return it by mail the collection-back process costs the budget 42cents per household.
If we do not send back the survey, the government is required to send someone to come to our house and personally survey us and it costs us (the country) approximately $60 per household. The budget for the Census is $1.2 Billion, almost ALL of which is for this follow up.
EVERY 1% of additional survey returns is a saving of $100 Million. You probably got an advance notice, a survey form and a reminder card; they are trying to increase the return rate and expect an addition 5% more return with that reminder card.
A good opportunity to save some money and put it back into our deficit hole.
That's my notes from watching Dr.Robert Groves, Director of Census Bureau on C-SPAN just now.
Let's try to spread the word and save some money for the country. Thanks!
-- Edited by Sanders on Friday 26th of March 2010 03:09:12 PM
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Democracy needs defending - SOS Hillary Clinton, Sept 8, 2010 Democracy is more than just elections - SOS Hillary Clinton, Oct 28, 2010