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Westmoreland Complete Count Committee Beginning Work for 2010 U.S. Census
Posted 9-16-09
In order to ensure that the county is accurately
counted in the 2010 U.S. Census, Westmoreland County's Complete
Count Committee will hold its inaugural meeting on September 23.
Formed at the direction of the Westmoreland County Commissioners,
the Committee consists of community, business, educational, and
government leaders to increase awareness about the census and
motivate residents to respond.
"Next year's census could have a profound effect on
Westmoreland County, particularly as it relates to federal funding
for important projects and services, as well as our representation
in Congress and the state legislature," said Complete Count
Committee Co-Chair Ted Kopas, Chief of Staff for Westmoreland
Commissioner Chairman Tom Balya. "It is extremely important that we
get as accurate a count as possible."
"Our goal is to bring together key community leaders
to help get the word out about not only the importance of the
census, but also the mechanics of how it will work to allay any
confusion or concern county residents may have during the process,"
said Co-Chair Tay Waltenbaugh, CEO of Westmoreland Community Action.
The U.S. Constitution mandates a headcount every 10
years of everyone residing in the United States. The data from the
census is widely used. Every year, more than $300 billion in federal
funds are awarded to states and communities based on census data –
or more than $3 trillion distributed over a 10-year period. The
federal government uses census data to allocate funding for programs
that impact education, public transportation, road construction,
help for seniors, emergency food and shelter, and more. Locally,
census data guides decision-makers in important community
development efforts. Census data affects representation in Congress,
as well as redistricting of the state legislature and voting
districts.
Westmoreland County's population in the 2000 census
was 369,993.
For more information on the 2010 census visit
www.census.gov/2010census. |
