What are Minnesota's leaders saying about the 2010 Census?
"Nyob Zoo! Kuv yog State Senator Mim Muas. The census is very important to the preservation of our democracy. Population size is the sole factor for apportioning political
representation at all levels of government. Population size also
affects how federal funds, such as public house dollars, are
allocated to the states. Make the time, pay attention to this
opportunity and make sure you are counted."
- Minnesota State Senator Mee Moua
"¡Cuentas tú, contamos todos! As a recent immigrant to Minnesota, this is
the first time I will be counted by the Census. The Complete Count
Committee is crucial to ensure that every individual and family in our
community is contacted, informed, and counted. This will ensure that
Minnesotanos specifically and Minnesotans in general, receive a fair
share of federal and state allocations. Together, let's make sure that
every resident in our neighborhood is properly counted. ¡Juntos podemos!
"
- Rosa Tock, Legislative Director, Chicano Latino Affairs Council
"The American Indian population is near the
numbers when Europeans arrived here on Turtle Island over 500 years
ago. Our numbers dwindled to a mere 250,000 by 1900, it is important
that we be counted in 2010 to show that we are resilient and strong
for our children."
- Kay Sha Bow Osay ( Walking Around) Anishinabe, Joseph B. Day
"We know that the face of rural Minnesota, especially, is changing.
Every day this change presents both enormous opportunities and
challenges for our communities. And if we don't account for every person
through the Census, we will not be prepared to help our newest residents
to be successful."
- Jim Hoolihan, Blandin Foundation, Grand Rapids
"An accurate census count is the fundamental building block of every
community. Census data provides guidance for communities to determine
the current and future needs of its citizens and is an integral tool for
governments, businesses, schools, and many others. By utilizing the
Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program, the City of Moorhead is
working towards a complete and accurate Census count."
- Mark Voxland, Mayor, Moorhead, Minnesota
"Policymakers and economists rely on data to drive their analysis and to
shape their proposals. More complete and accurate data mean better
analysis and policymaking, which outweigh the cost of collection.
Minnesotans should take advantage of this important opportunity."
- Arthur J. Rolnick, Director of Research, Federal Reserve Bank of
Minneapolis
"The work of our Foundation [Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund] relies
on identifying demographic trends in our region. Accurate and thorough
data allows for better planning on our part for the investments we make
in the economic and workforce arenas. A detailed census for Southern
Minnesota is vital to us and others who are engaged in addressing the
needs and the opportunities for our region."
- Tim Penny, President and CEO, Southern Minnesota Initiative Fund