Census numbers... and benefits?

[Dredly]

check out some of the "stats" in here:

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbc...5/NEWS/3150321

About $1,318.

That's how much each uncounted resident cost Monroe County in federal aid in 2008 alone.
There are political benefits to a large, accurate census

In the state Legislature, Monroe County could be a winner when it comes to representation, since it has grown more rapidly than other parts of the state.

Six state senators currently represent slices of Monroe. With Monroe's population of 138,000 expected to grow by about 30,000 in 2010, the odds improve that Senate boundaries will be redrawn to create a seat centered around Monroe voters.

Monroe will move up from a Fifth Class to a Fourth Class county by breaking the 145,000 barrier. Fourth Class counties are entitled to a higher percentage of library funding. Also, the per-phone fee taken from local users to finance the 911 emergency control center will decrease due to a larger pool of residents to fund it.

One county class change will directly impact Monroe's prothonotary and clerk of courts, George Warden.

Those duties are combined in Fifth Class counties, but must be split into separate elective offices in Fourth Class counties.

Warden says he enjoys both roles and isn't sure which one he'd seek in the next election.

"I can't even address that," Warden said. "I'd have to wait and see what the census says."

— David Pierce

Even if every resident was counted during the last census in 2000, Monroe County still lost ground as the decade wore on even though it had the second-fastest growth rate in Pennsylvania. Those who came after 2000 weren't accounted for in most per-capita grant formulas.

"We all know our population is far higher than it was in 2000," said Monroe County Commissioner Theresa Merli. "So we're getting shorted."

The census only comes once every 10 years and now it's crunch time, with 10-question forms being mailed by today to each household. Responses to the confidential questionnaire will determine how much economic clout the county will have in the coming decade.

Karen Ezzo, director of the Monroe County grants office, says the new census will probably reflect a growth in local poverty and make it easier to gain anti-poverty program money.

"We should see an increase in grant allocations if everyone is counted," Ezzo said.

Eric Forsyth, the East Stroudsburg Area School District's director of administrative services, agrees.

The last census placed Monroe County's poverty rate at 7 percent. More recent numbers, showing half of students in some district schools receive free or reduced lunches, suggest the poverty rate has grown tremendously.

It is less certain how much the local population increase will boost state grants and annual allocations.

The Legislature enacted a "hold-harmless" bill in 2001 that guaranteed local governments and school districts that lost population since the 1990 census would see no reduction in state aid. This means less money for the fastest-growing districts.

The Legislature has approved supplemental money in recent years — $350 million this year — to help fast-growing areas. This money goes to such things as education, aging and mental health programs.

"You're always playing catch-up," says Rep. Mario Scavello, R-176. "Eventually we will get somewhere but you're trying to make up for those lost years and it hurt."

[sublime1]

Counting the people is one thing, but what does race, income, occupation have to do with counting citizens?
Do they count illegals,too? Will they be included for the purpose of getting extra fed money, or to inflate the numbers for other reasons?

[Tootie]

Counting the people is one thing, but what does race, income, occupation have to do with counting citizens?
Do they count illegals,too? Will they be included for the purpose of getting extra fed money, or to inflate the numbers for other reasons?

Race is for demographics. Income is for poverty levels. Occupation is for who is working and who is not (mechanic/housewife). If you don't want to put your job in for occupation just put employed as your answer. All these answers have to do with how much money your county will receive.