Governor Rell Urging Residents

To Mail Back Census Forms This Week

Help Available at www.ct.gov/census2010 or toll-free 1-866-872-6868

Governor M. Jodi Rell today is reminding all Connecticut residents that they have just two days remaining to mail back their 2010 U.S. Census forms and ultimately save taxpayers millions of dollars. The Governor said the Census Bureau will begin sending workers door-to-door to those households that have not responded by the end of this week.

“Mailing in the forms is the difference between the price of a stamp or sending a Census worker out into the field, which is more costly for taxpayers,” Governor Rell said. “The bottom line is, however, that we all must stand up and be counted. An accurate Census gives a stronger voice in Washington.

“Each year Connecticut receives billions of dollars of federal aid for education, social services and transportation programs and all of that is tied to our population,” Governor Rell said. “It is estimated that for every person not counted, the state loses over $1,000 a year.”

Every household in America received a short, 10-question form this year. Among the basic questions asked were gender, age, ethnic background and whether the respondent rent or owned his or her home.

The Governor said she has written to mayors and first selectmen this week to ask for their help in urging residents to mail back their forms. She also explained that information and other instructions are available in 60 different languages and can be translated with a link on the state’s Census Web site: www.ct.gov/census2010

“We need everyone’s voice in Connecticut to be heard because we have to live with the results of the Census for the next 10 years,” Governor Rell said. “Please send your forms in this week.”

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