Earle Fire Department encouraging residents to complete 2020 census

Chief stressing accurate count to ensure city meets qualifications for grants, government funding

ralphhardin@gmail.com While most folks understand what the census is, many may not realize that it’s more than just a head count.

Like in other years, the once-a-decade census is being taken again in 2020, and the effort to count every man, woman and child in the United States is a daunting one, more so in 2020 because of COVID19 concerns that are hurting efforts to go door-todoor and get accurate household numbers.

Because of that, the Census Bureau is relying more than ever on people to take the initiative to send in completed census reports or fill out the survey online. Government officials have been touting the need for an accurate census for months now, and Earle Fire Chief Jason Peninger is making an appeal to the community to stand up and be counted.

“I would like to take a moment and talk about the 2020 Census,” said Peninger. “It seems like the count for the 2020 Census is low at this time. This is a very important matter and only takes a few moments of your time to complete.”

Peninger made note of the way census numbers can affect state and federal funding.

“The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding and grants will flow into communities every year for the next decade,” he said.

“That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size and no matter the location.”

Shifting population figures mean shifting program dollars and a low count could mean the loss of funds for small communities like Earle.

The results will show where communities need new schools, new clinics, new roads and more services for families, older adults and children,” Peninger said. “The results of the 2020 Census will also inform decisions about allocating money for hospitals, school lunch programs and other critical programs and services and so much more.”

Peninger also noted that it is more than just the government that takes census figures into account.

“Business owners also rely on census results to make decisions, such as where to open new stores, restaurants, factories or offices, where to expand operations, where to recruit employees, and which products and services to offer,” he said. “This information is also used by the local government to help support the city fire department and police department.”

Programs such as Arkansas ACT 833, which helps fire departments in the state, divide funds up in the community based on population. More people equals more money and vice

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Photo courtesy of EFD CENSUS (cont..)

versa.

“As you can see, completing the form is very important,” said Peninger. “The 2020 Census is easy. “You will answer a simple questionnaire about yourself and everyone who was living with you on April 1, 2020. You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact someone to help you. Everyone counts!

So please, don’t wait.”

You can fill out your 2020 Census online at www.2020census.gov. You can also complete the 2020 Census over the phone with a Census Questionnaire Assistance representative by calling 1-844-330-2020.

You can also request a census form in the mail by calling that same number.